1. In 1701, French explorer Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which later became the present-day city of Detroit.

2. On August 8, 1796, Michigan's first governor, William Hull, was born in Derby, Connecticut. He served as governor of Michigan Territory from 1805 to 1813 and later was a general in the War of 1812.

3. The annual Woodward Dream Cruise, a massive car show and parade that takes place on Woodward Avenue in Metro Detroit, began on August 8, 1995. It has since become one of the largest car events in the world.

4. On August 8, 2000, voters in the city of Detroit approved a ballot measure to build a new stadium for the Detroit Tigers. Comerica Park opened in April 2000 and has been the home of the Tigers ever since.

5. In more recent years, August 8 has been designated "Michigan Made Products Day" by the state legislature. This day is meant to celebrate the diverse array of products made in Michigan, from cars to craft beer to cherry pie.