1. On March 31, 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was passed, which laid out the framework for settlement and government in the territory that would become Michigan.

2. In 1891, the first electric streetcar line began operation in Detroit on March 31, providing a clean and efficient mode of transportation for urban residents.

3. On March 31, 1919, the Michigan State Police was established, becoming the first state police force in the United States and setting a precedent for other states to follow.

4. In 1961, the famous Motown artist Marvin Gaye recorded his first hit song, "Stubborn Kind of Fellow," at Motown's Hitsville USA recording studio in Detroit on March 31.

5. On March 31, 1985, the Michigan Wolverines basketball team won the NCAA National Championship for the first time in school history, defeating the Seton Hall Pirates 80-79 in overtime.