1. On August 10, 1846, Michigan became the first state to abolish the death penalty for all crimes except treason. This decision was made by the state legislature, and it marked a significant shift in the state's approach to criminal justice.

2. In 1897, the Michigan State Fair was held for the first time in Detroit. The fair's purpose was to provide a showcase for the state's agricultural, industrial, and cultural achievements. Today, the Michigan State Fair is held annually in Novi, Michigan.

3. On August 10, 1921, the city of Detroit experienced one of the most violent race riots in American history. The riots lasted for five days and resulted in the deaths of 36 people and the destruction of over 1,300 homes and businesses.

4. In 1979, a freighter called the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a severe storm. The ship was carrying a cargo of iron ore and all 29 crew members were killed. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald inspired the well-known song by Gordon Lightfoot.

5. On August 10, 1995, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved the construction of the new Breslin Student Events Center. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 1996 and is now the home of the MSU men's and women's basketball teams, as well as other university events and concerts.