1. In 1822, the University of Wisconsin was established on February 8. It is now one of the largest universities in the United States, with more than 43,000 students.

2. On February 8, 1862, the first Civil War battle to take place on Wisconsin soil occurred near Green Bay. The battle, known as the Battle of Green Bay, was a skirmish between Union troops and Native American allies of the Confederacy.

3. The Wisconsin State Capitol building was completed on February 8, 1917. The Capitol building is an iconic symbol of Madison and Wisconsin, and is considered one of the best examples of the "progressive" style of architecture.

4. On February 8, 1950, the infamous "Brinks Job" took place in Milwaukee. It was one of the largest armored car heists in U.S. history, with the robbers making off with more than $1.2 million in cash and securities.

5. The Milwaukee Bucks basketball team played their first game at the Mecca Arena on February 8, 1969. The team has since won one NBA championship, in 1971, and has had several notable players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Giannis Antetokounmpo.