1. The Battle of Hancock: On January 5, 1862, Union and Confederate troops clashed in the Battle of Hancock, one of the first battles of the Maryland Campaign during the American Civil War. The Union army was able to repel the Confederate attack, but at a cost of over 200 casualties on both sides.

2. Maryland Constitutional Convention: On January 5, 1864, the Maryland Constitutional Convention convened in Annapolis to revise the state's constitution. Among the changes included expanding the right to vote to all adult males, regardless of property ownership, and the creation of a new position of lieutenant governor.

3. Birth of E.B. White: On January 5, 1899, author and essayist E.B. White was born in Mount Vernon, New York. Although not a Maryland native, White spent many summers in his family's vacation home in North Brooklin, Maine, and is known for his love of rural life and nature.

4. Maryland’s First Female Governor: On January 5, 2007, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend launched her campaign for the state's Governorship, becoming the first woman in Maryland to run for the office. She ultimately lost the election to Republican Robert Ehrlich.

5. Eastern Shore Blizzard: On January 5, 2018, a powerful Nor’easter struck the Eastern Shore of Maryland, bringing heavy snow and blizzard conditions. Many areas received up to a foot of snow, and several schools and businesses were forced to close for days afterward.