1. On December 30, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state in the United States of America. Prior to its statehood, the territory was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw.

2. On this day in 1862, the Union Army led by General William F. "Baldy" Smith raided the town of Holly Springs, Mississippi, which was a key supply depot for the Confederacy. The raid ultimately failed due to the Confederates' quick response and destruction of Union supplies.

3. In 1927, a tornado outbreak swept through Alabama on December 30th, claiming the lives of 14 people and causing major damage to many towns throughout the state, particularly in the northern regions.

4. December 30th, 1950 marked the day when the business district of Phenix City, Alabama was placed under martial law due to rampant corruption and organized crime. The area, known as "Sin City," had long been a haven for illegal gambling, prostitution, and other illicit activities.

5. In 1999, Alabama's first charter school, the LEAD Academy, was approved by the state Board of Education on December 30th. This paved the way for other charter schools to open in Alabama, providing new educational opportunities for students in the state.