1. In 1833, the University of Michigan was founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was initially established as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, and was the first university in the United States to offer education in a broad range of subjects.

2. On May 11, 1915, the SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River, killing 844 people, many of whom were from Michigan. The Eastland was carrying employees from the Western Electric Company on a company picnic outing when the tragedy occurred.

3. In 1934, the Detroit Tigers played their first night game at their home field, Navin Field (later renamed Briggs Stadium). The game was played against the St. Louis Browns and attracted a crowd of 25,000 fans.

4. On May 11, 1984, the Michigan State Spartans won the NCAA men's basketball championship, defeating the University of Washington 75-64. This was the second national championship for the Spartans, who had previously won the title in 1979.

5. In 1997, the Mackinac Bridge was closed for the first time in its history due to high winds. The bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was closed for several hours while winds reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.