1. On July 13, 1836, Michigan officially became the 26th state of the United States, after a prolonged and often complicated process of achieving statehood. Despite controversies and struggles, Michigan emerged as a major center of industry, agriculture, and culture in the decades that followed.

2. On July 13, 1923, the first bridge between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan was opened. The Mackinac Bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac, became a major transportation route and a symbol of Michigan pride and ingenuity.

3. On July 13, 1951, the Michigan Central Station in Detroit, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, closed its doors after decades of service as a hub for rail travel. The station's decline and abandonment became a symbol of Detroit's struggles in the latter half of the 20th century, but efforts have been made in recent years to restore and revitalize the structure.

4. On July 13, 1985, the Live Aid benefit concert, organized by musician Bob Geldof and held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, raised funds for famine relief efforts in Africa. Michigan native Madonna was among the many performers who took part in the historic event.

5. On July 13, 2013, the city of Detroit filed for bankruptcy, becoming the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The move reflected the city's financial struggles and long-term challenges, but also spurred efforts to reinvigorate Detroit's economy and improve its quality of life.