1. In 1861, Alabama joined six other Southern states in having its delegates sign the Confederate States of America's constitution. The Confederacy was formed a few weeks later.

2. On January 29, 1861, William J. Samford, the 31st Governor of Alabama, was born in Alabama. He served from 1900-1907 as governor.

3. In 1936, singer-songwriter Ray Stevens was born in Clarksdale. Stevens is best known for his comedic hits such as "The Streak," "Ahab the Arab," and "Everything is Beautiful."

4. In 1979, the Alabama Supreme Court upheld the legality of lethal injection as a method of execution, ultimately clearing the way for death row inmates to be put to death through the use of the controversial method.

5. On January 29, 2004, the city of Mobile found a new use for its decommissioned smokestacks by lighting them with LED lights that could change colors. Located along the Mobile River, the colorful smokestacks have become a popular local attraction.