1. Michigan became a state on December 6, 1837. This day marked Michigan's entry into the United States as the 26th state. Michigan had been trying to become a state for several years, but Congress repeatedly rejected its statehood petition. Finally, in 1837, Congress approved Michigan's admission after the "Toledo War," a boundary dispute between Michigan and Ohio, was resolved.

2. The Mackinac Bridge was opened on December 6, 1957. The bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and has become an iconic symbol of Michigan.

3. The Ford Motor Company was founded on December 6, 1901. Henry Ford's first attempt at creating an automobile company, the Detroit Automobile Company, had failed two years prior. However, with the backing of investors, Ford was able to establish the Ford Motor Company and begin producing automobiles.

4. Celebrity chef Mario Batali was born on December 6, 1960, in Seattle, Washington. Batali has a strong connection to Michigan, as he attended Leelanau School, a boarding school in northern Michigan. He has also operated several restaurants in Detroit.

5. The first organized baseball game in Michigan was played on December 6, 1838, in Niles. The game was played between the Whigs and the Democrats, two political parties, and was reportedly a closely contested match. Baseball quickly became a popular sport in Michigan, with the state hosting several major league teams over the years.