1. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet reached the present-day location of Michigan City, Indiana, near the border of Michigan. They were the first Europeans to explore the Great Lakes region and their discovery paved the way for the development of the fur trade in Michigan.

2. On May 18, 1812, President James Madison declared war on Great Britain, beginning the War of 1812. Michigan, which was then a territory, played a significant role in the conflict, as the British captured and occupied Detroit in August of that year.

3. On May 18, 1896, the Supreme Court of Michigan ruled in the case of People v. Warren that the state's anti-gambling laws applied to a popular dice game known as "craps." The decision set a legal precedent in Michigan and helped to curb the spread of illegal gambling.

4. In 1933, Michigan Governor William A. Comstock signed a bill legalizing the sale of beer and wine in the state. This was a significant development, as Michigan was one of the first states to ratify the 18th Amendment (prohibiting alcohol) and had been a dry state for many years. The move helped to boost the state's economy during the Great Depression.

5. On May 18, 1980, a violent tornado struck Kalamazoo County, causing widespread destruction and killing five people. The tornado was one of the deadliest in Michigan history and caused millions of dollars in damage. The storm is still remembered as a significant event in the region's history.