1. The Upper Peninsula became a part of Michigan on August 31, 1846, through the signing of the Treaty of Washington. The territory was ceded by the British in the aftermath of The Toledo War between Ohio and Michigan.

2. On August 31, 1880, the Michigan Central Railroad completed the long-awaited Kalamazoo Station, which served as a major transportation hub for the midwestern state. The oversize building still stands and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. In 1907, August 31 marked the day of the first-ever automobile race on Belle Isle in Detroit. Barney Oldfield achieved the highest speed at 70 mph in his Peerless Green Dragon, and the event paved the way for Detroit to later become the "motor city."

4. The first-ever streetlight was installed in Detroit on August 31, 1865, making it one of the first cities in the world to install electric streetlights. The streetlights were operated by the Brush Electrical Company and were considered a revolutionary advancement in urban development.

5. On August 31, 1948, the Michigan State Police established its first official radio network. The radio network allowed for improved communication between law enforcement officers, helping to apprehend criminals and keep the community safe.