1. On August 17, 1920, Wisconsin became the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This historic moment was a major milestone in the women's suffrage movement.

2. On August 17, 1943, a major race riot broke out in the city of Detroit, Michigan. This incident had significant consequences for Wisconsin, as many African Americans migrated to the state in search of employment opportunities during and after World War II.

3. August 17, 1859 marked the founding of the Milwaukee Public Library, which today serves as a critical resource for education and research in the city of Milwaukee and beyond.

4. In 1974, the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center was established on August 17th. This organization has since played a key role in preserving and promoting the history and culture of Sheboygan County and the surrounding area.

5. On August 17, 1959, a major tornado outbreak swept through Wisconsin, causing significant damage and claiming several lives. This event was an important moment in the state's history, resulting in stronger building codes and improved disaster preparedness measures.