1. North Dakota was admitted to the Union on August 14, 1889, becoming the 39th state of the United States. The state's name comes from the Sioux word "Dakota," meaning "friend" or "ally."

2. On August 14, 1936, a tornado struck the town of Balfour, North Dakota, causing significant damage and killing three people. The tornado tore through the town and destroyed many buildings, including the school and several homes.

3. In 1961, on August 14, the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota became the first base to be equipped with Minuteman missiles, which were designed to be launched and guided from underground missile silos.

4. On August 14, 1970, the first North Dakota State Fair was held in Minot, North Dakota. The fair is a popular annual event that features exhibits, music, food, and agricultural competitions.

5. In 2003, on August 14, the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River in North Dakota celebrated its 50th anniversary. The dam was built between 1947 and 1953 and was one of the largest engineering projects undertaken by the United States government in the post-World War II era.