1. Alabama became a state on March 19, 1819. The United States Congress approved Alabama's statehood, and in December of that year, the state elected its first governor, William Wyatt Bibb.

2. On March 19, 1865, the last major battle in the Civil War in Alabama took place in the town of Selma. Union forces led by General James H. Wilson defeated Confederate forces in the Battle of Selma, which was a significant victory for the Union's campaign to capture the Confederate stronghold of Montgomery.

3. Alabama-born author Harper Lee, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," was born on March 19, 1926. Lee's novel, set in a fictional town in Alabama, addresses issues of racism and injustice that were prevalent in the state during the 1930s.

4. The Great Flood of 1979 hit Alabama on March 19, causing significant damage across the state. Heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding, with over 80% of Alabama's counties being declared disaster areas. The flood cost over $500 million in damages and resulted in 11 deaths.

5. The first-ever NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament was held on March 19, 1939. While not directly related to Alabama, the tournament has become a significant event in college basketball and has featured numerous teams from the state over the years, including Alabama, Auburn, and UAB.