1. In 1942, the US Army established Fort Richardson near Anchorage. The Army used the base to launch operations during World War II and the Cold War. Today, the base is home to several Army units and serves as a training ground for Alaska National Guard soldiers.

2. In 1959, Alaska was officially admitted as the 49th state of the United States. This event marked a significant milestone in Alaska's history and helped to bring the state into the modern era.

3. In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska. The spill, which occurred when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground, released roughly 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. The spill had a devastating impact on the environment and the local economy, prompting major changes in the way the oil industry operates in Alaska.

4. In 1993, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck south-central Alaska, causing widespread damage and killing 13 people. The earthquake, which lasted for nearly a minute, was one of the strongest to hit the state in recorded history.

5. In 2019, a record-breaking snowstorm hit south-central Alaska, dropping over 2 feet of snow in some areas. The storm caused widespread power outages and disrupted travel throughout the region. Despite the chaos, many Alaskans embraced the snow, taking advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy the winter wonderland.