1. In 1868, the first Memorial Day was observed in Alabama. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day and was established to honor those who died during the Civil War.

2. In 1906, a tornado struck the town of Gainesville, Alabama, killing over 100 people and causing extensive damage. The tornado is still considered one of the deadliest in Alabama's history.

3. In 1910, the first successful oil well in Alabama was drilled in Coffee County. The well produced over 70 barrels of oil per day, leading to a thriving oil industry in the state.

4. In 1937, the famous aviator Amelia Earhart visited Birmingham, Alabama, as part of her national tour. Thousands of people came out to see her and her plane, the Lockheed Electra.

5. In 2011, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team won the BCS National Championship, defeating the LSU Tigers 21-0 in the championship game. The win marked the third national championship for the Crimson Tide in four years.