1. Alabama became a state on January 3, 1819. It was the 22nd state to join the Union.

2. On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state. The admission of Alaska to the Union marked the end of a long struggle for statehood.

3. The Battle of Mobile Bay, a significant naval engagement during the Civil War, began on January 3, 1865. Union forces, led by Admiral David Farragut, successfully captured the Confederate stronghold of Mobile Bay after a fierce battle.

4. Hank Aaron, one of baseball's all-time greats, was born in Mobile, Alabama on January 3, 1934. Aaron played for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and set the record for the most home runs in a career, with 755.

5. On January 3, 1961, George Wallace was inaugurated as governor of Alabama for the first time. Wallace went on to become one of the most controversial figures in Alabama history, known for his segregationist policies and staunch opposition to the civil rights movement.