1. On December 28, 1835, Michigan became the 26th state in the United States. It was admitted to the Union after a long territorial period, during which it was subject to a series of disputes over its boundaries and political status.

2. This date also marks the anniversary of the founding of the Ford Motor Company, which took place on December 28, 1908. Founded by Henry Ford, the company would go on to become one of the most influential in American industrial history, revolutionizing the assembly line process and setting new standards for vehicle production.

3. In 1955, the Detroit Lions played in the NFL Championship game on December 28. The game, against the Cleveland Browns, was played in Cleveland and was the first championship game ever televised nationally. It is known as the "Greatest Game Ever Played" and ended in a 56-10 victory for the Browns.

4. December 28, 1975, saw the opening of Cobo Center in Detroit. The center, which was originally named after former Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo, is one of the largest convention centers in the United States and has hosted a wide range of events over the years, from auto shows to political conventions.

5. On December 28, 2000, an oil spill occurred in the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow waterway that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The spill was caused by the sinking of the tanker barge North Cape, which was carrying 477,000 gallons of oil. Crews were able to contain the spill, but it caused significant environmental damage and raised concerns about the safety of oil transport through the Great Lakes region.