1. On September 3, 1850, Minnesota became the 32nd state of the United States. This event marked an important turning point in the history of the region, as it gave Minnesota a greater voice in national affairs and helped to solidify its place within the Union.

2. On September 3, 1862, the Battle of Fort Ridgely took place during the U.S.-Dakota War. The battle, which was fought between a group of Dakota warriors and the garrison at Fort Ridgely, was a significant event in the conflict and was a major victory for the U.S. forces.

3. On September 3, 1940, the SS America, a passenger liner that was serving as a troop transport during World War II, arrived in the Port of Duluth. The ship's arrival marked the first time that a U.S. ocean liner had ever visited the port and helped to raise morale among the local community.

4. On September 3, 1968, the Minnesota Vikings played their first regular season game at the newly constructed Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. The Vikings went on to win the game 37-13, and the stadium would serve as their home field until the construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1982.

5. On September 3, 2012, the Minnesota State Fair set a new attendance record, with over 1.79 million people visiting the event over the course of 12 days. The record-breaking attendance was a testament to the ongoing popularity of the State Fair and its importance to the cultural and economic life of the state.