1. On December 14, 1954, the 9.2 magnitude Great Alaska Earthquake struck, causing massive destruction and loss of life. It remains the most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history.

2. In 1918, on December 14, the Anchorage Daily Times published its first issue, becoming the first daily newspaper in the Alaska Territory.

3. On December 14, 1972, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, providing Native Alaskans with financial compensation and land ownership rights.

4. In 1989, on December 14, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred, releasing over 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound and causing severe environmental damage.

5. On December 14, 1897, the SS Portland arrived in Seattle with a shipment of gold from the Klondike gold rush. The event sparked a gold rush frenzy across the United States and led to the rapid development of Alaska's mining industry.