1. In 1944, the USS North Dakota was commissioned as the lead aircraft carrier of the North Dakota class. The ship served in the Pacific during World War II and was decommissioned in 1947.

2. On September 26, 1910, the town of Ray, North Dakota was officially incorporated. Located in Williams County, Ray was a thriving community during the early 20th century due to its position along the Great Northern Railway.

3. In 1970, the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot received a major overhaul with the construction of the All Seasons Arena. The 5,000-seat venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.

4. On September 26, 1930, the first commercial oil well was drilled in the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin. The discovery led to a boom in the state's oil industry and helped establish North Dakota as a major energy producer.

5. The University of North Dakota football team played its first ever game on September 26, 1894, losing to the Fargo Athletic Club by a score of 24-4. Since then, UND football has had its ups and downs, but the program has produced several notable players and coaches, including Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer.