1. On July 20, 1854, the first Republican Party convention in Michigan was held in Jackson. The party was founded as an anti-slavery movement and quickly gained popularity in the state.

2. The Detroit Tigers played their first game at Tiger Stadium on July 20, 1912. The stadium was a landmark in Detroit for over 80 years and hosted several World Series games.

3. July 20, 1969, was the day that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Michigan played a significant role in the space program, with companies like Genesee Valley and Techniplas contributing to the construction of the lunar landers.

4. On July 20, 1987, the Detroit Pistons signed Isiah Thomas to a five-year contract extension. Thomas, a Detroit native, led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.

5. July 20, 1990, marks the day that Michigan's minimum drinking age was raised from 20 to 21. The change was implemented in response to federal legislation and had a significant impact on Michigan's college campuses.