1. On January 20, 1927, the Mississippi River flooded over its banks and caused devastation throughout Arkansas. The flood was considered one of the worst natural disasters in the state's history, and it forced thousands of Arkansans to flee their homes.

2. On January 20, 1965, former Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Faubus is perhaps best known for his role in the Little Rock Nine crisis, which saw the National Guard forcibly prevent nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School in 1957.

3. January 20, 1916, marks the birth of Arkansas civil rights leader Daisy Gatson Bates. Bates was a key figure in the effort to desegregate Arkansas schools in the 1950s, and she played a crucial role in the Little Rock Nine crisis.

4. On January 20, 1937, the Arkansas legislature approved the creation of Petit Jean State Park. The park, which occupies nearly 3,500 acres in the Ouachita Mountains, is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations.

5. January 20, 1981, saw the inauguration of the nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan. While Reagan is perhaps best remembered for his national policies, he had a significant impact on Arkansas as well. During his presidency, the state saw significant growth in its manufacturing sector and in industries such as agriculture and tourism.