1. On October 12, 1870, the University of Wisconsin-Madison held its first classes. The university was founded as a public land-grant institution in 1848, and has since become one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

2. On October 12, 1911, the first official state highway in Wisconsin was dedicated. Known as State Trunk Highway 11, the 30-mile-long road connected the cities of Janesville and Delavan.

3. In 1933, on October 12, the U.S. government established the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Wisconsin. The park covers over 69,000 acres and includes 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline.

4. On October 12, 1963, Milwaukee Braves pitcher Warren Spahn was named the National League's Cy Young Award winner. Spahn, who spent most of his career with the Braves, won 363 major league games and is considered one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history.

5. Lastly, on October 12, 2007, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched their first playoff berth in 26 years. The Brewers, led by slugger Ryan Braun and ace pitcher CC Sabathia, advanced to the National League Championship Series before falling to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.