1. On December 18, 1867, the flag of the United States was raised in Sitka, officially marking the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States under the Alaska Purchase.

2. In 1915, a deadly earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the Cook Inlet region of Alaska. The quake caused widespread damage to homes and buildings, and several people were killed.

3. December 18, 1958, marked the establishment of the Alaska Geological Society, a professional organization for geologists and other earth scientists working in Alaska.

4. On December 18, 1965, the first shipment of North Slope crude oil arrived at the port of Valdez, marking the beginning of Alaska's oil industry.

5. In 1999, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) was distributed on December 18, marking the earliest date ever for the dividend to be paid out. The PFD is an annual payment to Alaska residents made from the state's oil revenue fund.