1. The first day of the Alaska Gold Rush: August 1st, 1896 is considered the first day of the Klondike Gold Rush, a period that saw a large number of prospectors travel to Alaska in search of gold. Discoveries of gold in the Klondike region of Canada in 1896 set off a frenzy, with many heading north to Alaska to try their luck.

2. Alaska became a state on August 1st, 1959: After years of debate and several failed attempts, Alaska finally became the 49th state of the United States on August 1, 1959. The state's admission was due largely to the discovery of oil in the region, which made Alaska a valuable resource for the US economy.

3. A major earthquake struck Alaska on August 1st, 2008: An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 hit central Alaska on August 1, 2008. The quake caused significant damage to buildings and roads, and was felt as far away as Fairbanks.

4. Record heat wave in Anchorage on August 1st, 2019: In 2019, Anchorage experienced a heat wave that broke temperature records. On August 1st, the city reached a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking the previous record of 85 degrees set in 1969.

5. Alaskan Independence Day: Since 1984, some Alaskans have celebrated August 1st as "Alaskan Independence Day" – a day to reflect on and celebrate their state's unique history and culture. The date commemorates the signing of the Alaska Declaration of Independence in 1913, when a group of Alaskans declared their intent to form a separate government from the United States.