On November 2nd:

 1889  North Dakota and South Dakota Become U.S. States

On this day, North Dakota and South Dakota, two neighboring states in the American Midwest, were admitted to the Union as the 39th and 40th states. Their simultaneous statehood is a unique historical fact, and they’ve since become integral parts of the United States.

 1947   Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose” Makes First and Only Flight

The Hughes H-4 Hercules, commonly known as the “Spruce Goose,” flew for the first and only time on November 2nd, 1947. This massive wooden aircraft, designed by Howard Hughes, holds the record for the largest wingspan of any aircraft ever built.

 2000   The First Crew Arrives at the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) welcomed its first permanent crew on November 2nd, 2000. This multinational collaboration in space exploration has since been a hub for scientific research and international cooperation, showcasing the potential of humanity’s endeavors beyond Earth.