1. In 1827, the Arkansas Territorial Legislature authorized the establishment of a state penitentiary. This would eventually become the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which oversees state prisons and inmates today.

2. On July 30, 1864, the Confederate steamboat City of Natchez was sunk on the Arkansas River near Little Rock. The ship had been carrying supplies for Confederate troops when it was attacked by Union forces.

3. In 1912, famous Arkansas folk artist Woodie Long was born in Lonoke. Long's colorful paintings and drawings often depicted rural life in the South, and he became well-known for his unique style.

4. On July 30, 1943, the United States Army activated the 5th Ranger Battalion at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. The 5th Rangers would go on to see action in Normandy and other theaters during World War II.

5. The first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Arkansas opened its doors on July 30, 1999. The popular fast food chain now has dozens of locations throughout the state.