1. On June 17, 1835, Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States of America. The process of statehood was a long and contentious one, and Michigan actually had to go to war with Ohio over a boundary dispute before it could become a state.

2. June 17, 1882 marked the opening of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Today, the historic hotel is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan and has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years.

3. On June 17, 1907, the city of Battle Creek was hit by a massive tornado that caused extensive damage to homes and businesses. Despite the devastation, the community banded together to rebuild and recover.

4. June 17, 1936 saw the unveiling of the iconic “Spirit of Detroit” monument in downtown Detroit. The statue, which features a muscular figure holding a golden orb, has become a symbol of the Motor City and is a popular spot for photos.

5. In a more tragic event, June 17, 1947 was the day that the worst disaster in Michigan aviation history occurred. A Northwest Airlines DC-4 crashed near LAnse, killing all 58 people on board. The crash was attributed to pilot error and remains a somber reminder of the perils of air travel.