1. In 1832, a group of Wisconsin territorial lawmakers gathered on December 28th to approve a resolution calling for the construction of a canal around the rapids in the Wisconsin River. This project would later become the Wisconsin River Improvement system, which is still in use today.

2. On December 28, 1845, the first recorded snowstorm in Milwaukee's history occurred, dumping over a foot of snow on the city in just a few hours. The storm caused significant damage, and many businesses and buildings collapsed under the weight of the snow.

3. In 1869, the first ever intercollegiate football game played in Wisconsin occurred on December 28th between the University of Wisconsin and Beloit College. The game ended in a tie, with each team scoring one touchdown.

4. The Wisconsin Badgers football team played in their first-ever bowl game on December 28, 1952. They faced off against the University of Southern California in the Rose Bowl and lost 7-0.

5. On December 28, 1976, Milwaukee native Tom Barrett was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, beginning a career in public service that would eventually lead him to become the city's mayor in 2004. Barrett is currently serving his fourth term as mayor, making him the longest-serving mayor in Milwaukee's history.