1. On December 15, 1831, the state of Alabama approved the charter for the city of Montgomery, which would later become the state's capital. Today, Montgomery is known for its rich history, including its role in the Civil Rights Movement.

2. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park opened to the public on December 15, 1965. The park is home to the USS Alabama battleship, as well as several other historic military vessels and exhibits.

3. On December 15, 1819, the state of Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state. Today, Alabama is known for its contributions to music, literature, and sports, as well as its vibrant aerospace and technology industries.

4. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which celebrates the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, opened its doors on December 15, 1992. The institute features exhibits and educational programs that explore the struggle for civil rights in Alabama and throughout the United States.

5. December 15 is also the birthday of Margaret Walker Alexander, a poet, novelist, and professor who was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1915. Alexander's best-known work, the novel Jubilee, recounts the life of a young slave who becomes a teacher and community leader during Reconstruction.