1. In 1913, the first Anchorage hotel, the Golden North Hotel, officially opened. It was a six-story building with 125 rooms and had modern amenities such as electricity and running water.

2. The Alaska Railroad was completed on December 13, 1922, linking Anchorage to Fairbanks. It was a significant achievement for Alaska, which had previously been without a reliable transportation system.

3. On December 13, 1942, a Japanese submarine fired shells at Fort Stevens on the Oregon coast. This was part of a larger attack on the continental US during World War II. While the attack caused minimal damage, it was a reminder that Alaska was not immune to the war effort.

4. In 1953, the Alaska Native Brotherhood was founded on December 13. This organization was created to advocate for Native Alaskans' rights and to promote cultural preservation. Today, it is still actively involved in issues affecting Alaska Natives.

5. The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred on March 24, 1989, but on December 13 of that year, the Exxon Shipping Company was indicted on five criminal counts related to the spill. The disaster had a significant and lasting impact on Alaska's environment and economy.