1. On September 8, 1883, the Great Northern Railroad completed its line through North Dakota, connecting the state to the rest of the country for the first time. The completion of the railroad helped spur economic growth and development in North Dakota.

2. In 1891, the North Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University) opened its doors on September 8th, becoming the state's first land-grant institution. The college played a key role in promoting agricultural education and research in the state.

3. On September 8, 1900, a devastating fire destroyed much of the town of Cavalier in northeastern North Dakota. The fire started in the town's opera house and eventually consumed more than 40 buildings, causing an estimated $200,000 in damages.

4. In 1918, a deadly influenza epidemic swept across North Dakota and the rest of the country. On September 8th of that year, a total of 193 new cases were reported in the state, along with 7 deaths.

5. September 8, 2002, was a historic day for the University of North Dakota football team, as they defeated the University of Nebraska 24-10 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The victory marked the first time a Division II team had ever beaten a Division I-A team.