1. On January 22, 1861, Arkansas seceded from the United States and became part of the Confederate States of America, joining 10 other southern states in the rebellion against the Union.

2. In 1928, Arkansas celebrated the opening of its first state park, Petit Jean State Park. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, the park is named after a legendary French explorer's daughter who supposedly disguised herself as a boy to explore the New World.

3. On January 22, 1947, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team defeated the Baylor Bears 100-49, setting a new conference record for points in a single game. This record still stands today.

4. Also on this day in 1947, a deadly tornado ripped through the town of Warren, Arkansas, killing 13 people and injuring dozens more. The tornado stayed on the ground for 15 miles and destroyed many homes and businesses.

5. In 2008, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe issued a proclamation declaring January 22 as "Sanctity of Human Life Day" in the state. This day is meant to recognize the value and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.