1. In 1865, on May 2, the Confederate Army in Alabama surrendered to the Union Army. This effectively ended the Civil War in the state and brought about a period of reconstruction.

2. On May 2, 1963, Birmingham, Alabama was the site of a major civil rights demonstration, later known as the "Children's Crusade." Thousands of schoolchildren participated in nonviolent protests, which led to many arrests and a crackdown by the police.

3. In 1942, the first 25 women officers joined the Women's Army Corps (WAC) at Fort McClellan, Alabama on May 2. The WACs were instrumental in the war effort during World War II, and their contributions helped pave the way for women's full inclusion in the military.

4. On May 2, 1896, the Alabama State Capitol building was completed in Montgomery, Alabama. The building has since undergone several renovations and additions, but it remains a prominent symbol of the state government.

5. The Alabama Theatre opened in Birmingham, Alabama on May 2, 1927. The lavishly decorated theater was a popular destination for movie-goers and live performances for many years, and today it remains a landmark in downtown Birmingham.