1. In 1835, the first land sale in Michigan Territory was held in Detroit on October 2. The sale marked the beginning of a large-scale effort to sell land in Michigan, which had been recently opened for settlement.

2. On October 2, 1864, the Battle of Saltville took place in Virginia, but it had significant implications for Michigan. A Union force made up of Michigan and Kentucky soldiers successfully captured a Confederate salt works facility that was strategically important for supplying Confederate troops. The victory helped secure President Lincoln's re-election and was a pivotal moment in the Civil War.

3. In 1908, on October 2, the first Model T Ford was produced at Ford Motor Company's Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit. The Model T revolutionized the auto industry and established Ford as a major player in the global marketplace.

4. On October 2, 1950, General Motors became the first corporation in the world to earn more than $1 billion in a single year. GM's success played a significant role in Detroit's post-World War II resurgence and helped solidify Michigan's position as a manufacturing powerhouse.

5. In 1986, on October 2, the Detroit Lions set an NFL record for the most points scored in a single quarter. The Lions scored 34 points in the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears, winning 38-17. This feat demonstrated the talent of the Lions at the time and remains a memorable moment in Michigan sports history.