1. In 1867, the United States Senate ratified the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. This event became known as the Alaska Purchase or Alaska Day, celebrated annually on October 18th. However, April 9th marks the signing of the treaty between the two countries, making it an important date in Alaska history.

2. In 1917, the Alaska Road Commission was established by the U.S. Congress to improve the transportation infrastructure in Alaska. The commission worked on building roads, bridges, and other transportation facilities to connect remote areas of the state.

3. In 1942, the United States Army established the Alaska Highway, a military supply route connecting the contiguous United States to Alaska through Canada. The 1,700-mile highway was built in just over eight months and played a vital role in the defense of Alaska during World War II.

4. In 1964, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 struck Alaska, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused widespread damage and resulted in 139 deaths.

5. In 2014, Alaska became the third state in the United States to legalize recreational marijuana use, following Colorado and Washington. The law allowed adults 21 and over to possess and use marijuana for personal use, and established a framework for commercial cultivation, sale, and taxation of the drug.