Michigan Minute

On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court sided with Gov. Milliken on Detroit’s busing case, fueling white flight. And in 1966, Michigan named its first state ombudsman.

On this day in 1880, the world’s first hydroelectric plant began in Grand Rapids. And in 1963, trailblazing jockey Julie Krone was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

On this day in 1967, a police raid sparked the Detroit rebellion—one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Lasting 8 days, it led to 43 deaths, 7,000 arrests, and a national investigation.

On this day in 1930, Detroit Mayor Charles Bowles was recalled over corruption and KKK ties. And in 1911, the first Boy Scouts arrived at Camp Owasippe near Sleeping Bear Dunes.

On this day in 1951, Robin Williams was born. Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, he spent his teen years in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, excelling in school and sports.

On this day in 1977, Michigan required hunters to wear fluorescent orange. And in 2013, trailblazing journalist Helen Thomas, a Wayne State alum, passed away at age 92.

On this day in 1909, Michigander Neal Ball made MLB’s first unassisted triple play. And in 1838, a massive canal project began—only to be abandoned years later.

On this day in 1885, Harbor Beach Lighthouse began service. In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy. And in 1980, actress Kristen Bell was born in Huntington Woods.

On this day in 2007, Michigan lost beloved outdoorsman Fred Trost, host of “Michigan Outdoors” and later “Practical Sportsman,” staples of public TV for hunting and fishing fans.

On this day in 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the first War of 1812 battle on U.S. soil—triggering a swift British takeover of Michigan’s forts.

On this day in 1929 and 1975, Michigan AG rulings advanced women’s rights. And in 1940, the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow, died in Manistee at age 22.

On this day in 1913, Gerald R. Ford was born. The only U.S. president never elected to the presidency or vice presidency, he represented Michigan in Congress for 25 years

On this day in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was enacted, setting the stage for Michigan and other Midwest states to move from territory to statehood with guaranteed rights.

On this day in 1995, Olympian Jordyn Wieber was born in DeWitt, Michigan. And in 1974, women were officially allowed to join the Michigan National Guard.

On this day in 1974, Michigan enacted its Endangered Species Act. And in 1796, U.S. forces officially took control of Fort Detroit from the British after years of delay.

On this day in 1805, Jacob Merritt Howard was born. A Michigan lawmaker and U.S. senator, he helped draft the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments alongside President Lincoln.

On this day in 1975, Jack White was born in Detroit. A key figure in the 2000s garage rock revival, he rose to fame with the White Stripes and later wrote a Bond theme in 2008.

On this day in 1924, U-M alum DeHart Hubbard became the first Black American to win Olympic gold. In 1962, Roger Roberts became Lansing’s first Black firefighter.

On this day in 1933, Michigan passed the Old Age Assistance Act. And in 1845, the first issue of the Detroit Daily News was published, laying the foundation for today’s Detroit News.

1931: Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, began her journey as a singer and made history by performing as the first gospel singer in Las Vegas casinos. She later gained fame for her role in "Touched by An Angel" and was ordained as a minister, officiating the wedding of her co-star Roma Downey. 1845: The antislavery Fusion Convention in Jackson, Michigan, originally planned ind...

On this day in 2002, Michigan’s Court of Appeals struck down a law banning public cursing, ruling it protected speech—thanks to one canoeist’s colorful language.

On this day in 1783, Britain held onto Fort Detroit. In 1859, Grand Rapids saw its first hot air balloon flight, and in 1969, Mackinac Island hosted its first stone skipping contest.

On this day in 1959, Queen Elizabeth visited Detroit for the first Freedom Festival. In 1828, Henry Schoolcraft became Michigan’s first territorial librarian.

On this day in 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau—a former U-M student—leading to civil service reform after Garfield’s death.

On this day in 1955, Michigan State College officially became Michigan State University after a long push for recognition—and despite resistance from the University of Michigan.