1. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race traditionally starts on March 1st. This 1,000-mile race across the Alaskan wilderness is one of the most grueling competitions in the world.

2. On March 1st, 1915, the U.S. Congress passed the Second Organic Act, which declared that Alaska would be a United States territory with its own government. This marked an important milestone in Alaska's history and allowed for more local control over government affairs.

3. In 1964, March 1st was the date of the Great Alaska Earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The quake, which had a magnitude of 9.2, caused widespread damage and a tsunami that devastated coastal communities.

4. On March 1st, 1984, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound. The spill released around 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, causing major damage to the ecosystem and local communities.

5. March 1st is also the day that Alaska became a state in 1959. After years of campaigning and negotiation, Alaska was finally granted statehood and became the 49th state in the United States. March 1st is now officially recognized as Alaska Statehood Day.