1. In 1914, the Alaska Road Commission was established by the U.S. Congress. Its main purpose was to construct and maintain roads and trails throughout Alaska, an essential task for the state's growing population.

2. In 1955, the massive Good Friday earthquake struck Alaska, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. It was the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America and caused extensive damage throughout the state.

3. In 1968, the Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act settled long-standing land claims between Alaska Natives and the U.S. government and provided a framework for economic development in rural Alaska.

4. In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Alaska's Prince William Sound. The tanker ran aground, spilling over 11 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters and causing significant environmental damage and harm to local communities.

5. In 2017, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a famous annual event in Alaska, began. The race covers over 1,000 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain and attracts teams from around the world. It honors the legacy of sled dogs and the importance of dog mushing in Alaska's history and culture.