1. On January 19, 1861, Alabama became the fourth state to secede from the United States and join the Confederacy. This decision ultimately led to Alabama's involvement in the Civil War.

2. On January 19, 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first president to be inaugurated on a Sunday. This was due to the fact that January 20 fell on a Sunday, which was considered a day of rest at the time.

3. In 1963, on January 19, George C. Wallace was inaugurated as the governor of Alabama. Wallace became known for his segregationist views and his opposition to the Civil Rights Movement.

4. On January 19, 1937, millionaire aviator Howard Hughes set a record for transcontinental flight by flying from Los Angeles to New York City in just under 7 and a half hours. Hughes landed in Birmingham, Alabama during his journey to refuel.

5. In 2013, on January 19, Alabama football head coach Nick Saban won his third national championship in four years. Saban is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time and has brought numerous championships to the University of Alabama.