1. In 1894, the first automobile race in Michigan took place on July 23. The race was held on Grosse Pointe's Lakeshore Drive and was won by Charles Brady King in his self-built automobile.

2. On July 23, 1920, the Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 5-4 in 12 innings at Navin Field (now Tiger Stadium). The game featured Babe Ruth hitting a home run, but it was not enough to secure the win.

3. The Michigan State Police was founded on July 23, 1917. Originally called the Michigan State Troops Permanent Force, it was created to provide law enforcement services throughout the state.

4. On July 23, 1967, one of the deadliest racial riots in American history began in Detroit. The uprising lasted five days and resulted in the deaths of 43 people, injuries to over 1,100others and over 2,000 buildings were destroyed.

5. In 1986, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based band The Verve Pipe was formed on July 23. The band achieved international success in 1996 with their hit single "The Freshmen."