1. On April 3, 1865, Union forces under General James Wilson captured the city of Selma, Alabama, just across the border from Mississippi. This victory helped to solidify the Union's hold on the region, which would eventually lead to the end of the Civil War.

2. On April 3, 1944, Mississippi native and blues legend Robert Johnson was inducted into the Army as part of World War II. Johnson's music would go on to inspire generations of musicians, and his story has become an enduring part of the blues mythos.

3. On April 3, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech, known as the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" address, at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee. Just two days later, King was assassinated in the city, prompting widespread protests and civil unrest.

4. On April 3, 1973, the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill setting up the state's first Public Service Commission, which would regulate utilities and other public services in the state. The commission continues to operate today, overseeing issues such as energy rates, telecommunications, and transportation.

5. On April 3, 2018, a powerful storm system swept through Mississippi, causing significant damage and widespread power outages. The storm produced numerous tornadoes and hailstorms, and claimed the lives of at least four people. It served as a reminder of the capriciousness of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.