1. On August 12, 1857, the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad was completed, completing a vital transportation link between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. This infrastructure helped to boost Wisconsin's economy and promote the growth of the state's brewery industry.

2. Famous sculptor August Lehmkuhl was born in Milwaukee on August 12, 1865. Lehmkuhl is known for creating numerous public monuments and sculptures, including the iconic statue of George Washington in New York City's Washington Square Park.

3. On August 12, 1922, the first Wisconsin State Fair held in the newly constructed State Fair Park in West Allis. The event featured agricultural exhibits, music concerts, carnival rides, and other attractions, and it has since become an annual tradition that draws visitors from across the state.

4. Famous Wisconsin author Ellen Raskin was born in Milwaukee on August 12, 1928. Raskin is best known for her children's book "The Westing Game," which won the Newbery Medal in 1979.

5. On August 12, 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway officially opened, providing a direct shipping route between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The seaway had a significant impact on Wisconsin's economy, as it helped to increase exports of goods such as iron ore, coal, and grain.