1. June 23, 1972: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act became law. This landmark legislation granted Native Alaskans and their corporations ownership of over 44 million acres of land and more than $1 billion in compensation for lands taken by the US government.

2. June 23, 1983: The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound. The tanker ran aground, spilling 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean and causing one of the worst environmental disasters in US history.

3. June 23, 2008: The Chena River flooded in Fairbanks following heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses. This flood was the worst in the area since 1967 and prompted a state of emergency declaration.

4. June 23, 1913: Pioneer aviator Ben Eielson was born in the small town of Hatton, North Dakota. Eielson moved to Alaska in 1924 and became one of the state's early aviation pioneers, flying supplies to remote locations and opening up new areas for development.

5. June 23, 1960: The US Coast Guard cutter Storis became the first American ship to circumnavigate the North American continent, completing a 64-day journey that covered over 13,500 miles. The Storis was later based in Alaska, where it played a key role in icebreaking and search-and-rescue operations.