1. In 1922, a major earthquake shook parts of Alaska, including the city of Anchorage. The 7.3 magnitude quake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the Alaska Railroad.
2. On December 4, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched an attack on Dutch Harbor, located on the Aleutian Island of Unalaska. The attack marked the beginning of the Battle of the Aleutian Islands, which lasted until August 1943.
3. On December 4, 1986, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in US history. Approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into the pristine waters, killing wildlife and causing long-lasting damage to the ecosystem.
4. In 1998, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was amended to allow some Native corporations to establish separate non-profit organizations to provide educational and charitable services. This change was made to help improve the quality of life for Alaska Natives and promote self-determination.
5. December 4, 2002, marked the anniversary of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. ANILCA designated over 100 million acres of Alaska as national parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges, protecting the state's unique natural resources for future generations.