1. On August 28, 1780, the Battle of Blue Licks took place in northeastern Kentucky. Although this may not seem like a Michigan history fact, it is actually important because several Michigan soldiers fought in the battle as part of George Rogers Clark's Illinois regiment.

2. In 1830, the Michigan legislature approved the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. This canal allowed ships to bypass the treacherous rapids at the St. Mary's River and navigate from Lake Superior to Lake Huron more easily.

3. On August 28, 1850, the Michigan School for the Blind opened in Lansing. This institution, now known as the Michigan School for the Visually Impaired, has provided educational opportunities for thousands of blind and visually impaired students.

4. The Detroit Lions played their first ever NFL exhibition game on August 28, 1934. Although the Lions lost to the Chicago Cardinals, this was the start of a long and storied football tradition in Detroit.

5. August 28 is also the birthday of Carl Levin, the longest-serving U.S. senator in Michigan's history. Levin represented Michigan in the Senate for 36 years, from 1979 to 2015, and was known for his work on environmental issues and financial regulation.