On this day in 1848, Abraham Lincoln coined the term "Michigander" in reference to Lewis Cass, sparking a linguistic debate that endures to this day. Learn about the origins of this term and its significance in Michigan's history.

Kirk Gibson, born in Pontiac, MI in 1957, chose baseball over football, becoming a Detroit Tigers legend. On this day in 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her impactful "Ain't I A Woman" speech in Battle Creek, advocating for gender and racial equality. Today, we celebrate the enduring legacies of these two remarkable figures.

On this day in 2019, Private James Robinson, an enslaved man turned Revolutionary War hero, finally received recognition for his valor. Born enslaved, Robinson fought alongside George Washington's army, earning accolades for bravery at battles like Brandywine and Yorktown. Later, he volunteered in the War of 1812 and became an abolitionist preacher. The Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution unveiled a bronze marker at Elmwood Cemetery to honor his remarkable service and legacy.

1768: Detroit held its first election, appointing Philippe Dejean as judge. 1967: Kay E. Whitfield and Noreen E. Hillary became the first female officers in the Michigan State Police. 1927: Ford Motor Co. ceased production of the iconic Model T, marking the end of an automotive era that shaped American transportation.

On this day in 1861, Sarah Emma Edmonds, disguised as Franklin Thompson, joined the second Michigan Infantry. Serving bravely as a spy, medic, and soldier, she infiltrated Confederate lines multiple times. Edmonds' remarkable story of courage and sacrifice was later recognized by Congress, and her autobiography, "Nurse and Spy in the Union Army," continues to honor her legacy.

Florence Knoll, born in 1917, left an indelible mark on modern design, revolutionizing office spaces with her open layout concepts. On this day in 1820, Governor Lewis Cass and geologist Henry Schoolcraft launched a pioneering expedition to explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula, aiming to promote settlement in the region.

1939: Detroit City Council banned pinball machines from being played on the streets due to concerns about gambling. 1978: Gwen Frostic, a celebrated Michigan artist, is honored with Gwen Frostic Day, recognized for her nature-inspired art and her legacy as a Michigan Women's Hall of Fame inductee.

2015: Divers made a startling discovery in Lake Michigan: an underwater Stonehenge-like structure dating back around 14,000 years. 1857: William Ferguson, Michigan's first Black legislator, was born in Detroit, later gaining prominence for his legal victories against racial discrimination.

1892: Ransom E. Olds made automotive history by selling the first American car for export. 1937: "My Michigan" became the official state song, though rarely sung due to copyright issues.

1927: Detroit's own Charles Lindbergh made history with the first solo transatlantic flight. 1970: Michigan State University faced a student strike protesting the Vietnam War, culminating in a dramatic intervention by state police to end the protest.