1. On May 29, 1861, the state of Alabama officially joined the Confederate States of America, which had been formed just a few months earlier in February. Alabama was one of seven Southern states to secede from the Union over the issue of slavery and states' rights.

2. On May 29, 1917, the Alabama National Guard was activated for service in World War I. Over the next several months, thousands of Alabama soldiers would be deployed overseas to fight in the war.

3. On May 29, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This ruling had a significant impact on Alabama, which had been among the states that maintained segregated schools.

4. On May 29, 1973, Alabama Governor George Wallace was shot and paralyzed while campaigning for president in Maryland. Wallace, a controversial figure known for his opposition to civil rights and segregationist policies, survived the shooting but was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

5. On May 29, 2011, a massive EF5 tornado tore through the town of Joplin, Missouri, killing over 150 people and causing billions of dollars in damage. Many Alabama residents and organizations played a key role in the recovery efforts, providing assistance and support to the devastated community.