1. On August 13, 1892, the first African American woman to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, Mary Catherine Gurrett, graduated with honors. She later became a teacher and advocate for education for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

2. In 1905, Sarah Emma Edmonds, a Civil War spy and soldier who had assumed the identity of a man, died in La Porte, Michigan. She had lived in disguise for years and was one of only a few women to have received a military pension for her service.

3. August 13, 1921 marked the beginning of the Michigan State Fair, an annual event showcasing agriculture, industry, and entertainment. The fair was held at various locations around the state until it was permanently situated in Detroit in 1905.

4. In 1967, the infamous Detroit riot began on August 13, lasting five days and resulting in 43 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and significant property damage. The unrest was sparked by a police raid on an unlicensed bar in a predominantly African American neighborhood and was fueled by long-standing racial tensions.

5. On August 13, 2008, General Motors announced its plans to close four plants in Michigan and cut 15% of its white-collar workforce. The move was part of the company's efforts to weather a financial crisis that ultimately led to its bankruptcy and government bailout the following year.