Today in 1951, neurosurgeon and political figure Ben Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan. Carson later gained prominence as a presidential candidate and HUD Secretary. On September 18, 1918, Hazel Stimson became the first Michigan woman to enlist in the Marines during WWI, serving 14 months before her honorable discharge.

Ben Carson's Birthday & Hazel Stimson | September 18

Today in 2016, Nashville, Michigan reclaimed the world record for the longest ice cream sundae with a 3,656-foot creation. In 1962, Paul Feig was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Feig is renowned for directing comedies like Bridesmaids and creating Freaks and Geeks, inspired by his own high school days in the fictional suburb of Chippewa.

Record Ice Cream Sundae & Paul Feig | September 17

Today in 1944, Yooper Sergeant Oscar Johnson of Foster City earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in WWII. Johnson later farmed and attended Michigan State University, with the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center named in his honor. On the same date in 1972, Dennis Franklin became the University of Michigan's first Black quarterback, leading the Wolverines to victory against Northwestern.

Yooper Medal of Honor & U-M’s First Black QB | September 16

Today in 1886, Michigan Mining School held its first classes in Houghton Fire Hall, evolving into Michigan Tech. Meanwhile, in 1878, Michigan's first phone book, "List of Subscribers," was published in Detroit with 124 listings, predating the US's earliest phone book by months.

Michigan Tech’s Start & First Phone Book | September 15

On this day in 1938, Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmeling, becoming a national hero amid rising global tensions.

Joe Louis Knockout & Detroit’s Pride | June 22

On this day, 1943, the Supreme Court upheld Japanese Internment; Justice Murphy condemned it as racist and un-American.

Hirabayashi Case & Justice Murphy’s Dissent | June 21

On this day, actor James Tolkan was born in Calumet, and Detroit faced deadly 1943 housing riots amid war-driven growth and desegregation efforts.

Tolkan’s Birth & Detroit’s 1943 Riot | June 20

On this day, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in 1865, a moment celebrated nationwide and honored by voices from Michigan and beyond.

Juneteenth & Michigan’s Legacy | June 19

On this day in 1923, the first iconic Checker Cab rolled off the line in Kalamazoo, marking a milestone in Michigan’s auto legacy.

Checker Cab’s Start & Kalamazoo Pride | June 18

On this day in 1913, Detroit saw its—and America’s—first auto strike, shaping labor rights and the modern workweek across the nation.

Detroit’s First Auto Strike & Labor Roots | June 17

On this day in 1855, the land for Michigan State University was chosen, setting the stage for the state’s first agricultural college and Spartan pride.

MSU Land & The Birth of Spartans | June 16

On this day in 1836, Michigan gained the Upper Peninsula in a land dispute deal with Ohio, securing statehood and a treasure of natural beauty.

Michigan’s UP & The Toledo Compromise | June 15

On this day in 2012, two Michigan lawmakers were censured over language in debate, and in 1976, Detroit’s Hudson’s retired its giant flag to the Smithsonian.

Michigan House Censure & Hudson’s Flag | June 14

On this day in 2002, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, and it’s also the birthday of Michigan’s own comedian Tim Allen.

Red Wings' Win & Tim Allen’s Michigan Roots | June 13

WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents intriguing stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes and iconic cities to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a wide variety of fascinatingly true tales from the Great Lake State. Interested in supporting the Michigan Minute?

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