1. In 1836, the Arkansas territory was admitted to the Union as the 25th state, becoming known as the Land of Opportunity. It was the first southern state to reject secession during the Civil War.

2. On January 18, 1896, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Arkansas State Capitol building in Little Rock, which remains the seat of government for the state.

3. In 1936, the Arkansas State Highway Commission was established, leading to major improvements and expansions of the state's roadway system.

4. On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States announced its landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide, including in Arkansas.

5. In 1996, the Arkansas Razorbacks football team won its first and only national championship, defeating the University of Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl. The team finished the season with an undefeated record of 12-0.