1. The First Woman Elected to State Office: On May 3, 1921, Lela J. Alcorn became the first woman elected to state office in Wisconsin. She was elected as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and served in the post until 1941.

2. The First State Fair: The first Wisconsin State Fair was held in Janesville on May 3, 1851. The event was organized by the State Agricultural Society as an opportunity for farmers to showcase their crops and livestock.

3. The Death of a Famous Wisconsin Nurse: On May 3, 1912, Linda Richards, the first trained nurse in the United States and a native of Wisconsin, passed away in her home in Boston. Richards is known for her innovative nursing methods and for establishing the first nursing school in the United States.

4. The Battle of Black River Falls: On May 3, 1872, a group of Native Americans attacked Black River Falls in Jackson County, Wisconsin. The event became known as the Battle of Black River Falls and is considered one of the last Native American uprisings in Wisconsin.

5. The Naming of Madison: On May 3, 1837, the Wisconsin territorial legislature officially named the state capital Madison, after President James Madison. The city had previously been known as "Four Lakes" due to its location on the shores of Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra, and Lake Waubesa.