1. Alaska became a state on November 24, 1959 - This historic day marked the culmination of years of effort by Alaskan leaders and citizens who worked tirelessly to achieve statehood for their vast and remote territory.

2. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law on November 24, 1971 - This landmark legislation settled long-standing land disputes between Native Alaskans and the U.S. government, returning millions of acres of land to Native ownership and providing financial compensation to the affected tribes.

3. On November 24, 1950, an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck near Anchorage - The quake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city, including the destruction of several homes and the flooding of parts of the city's downtown area.

4. The first official Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race was held on November 24, 1973 - This grueling 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome has since become one of Alaska's most iconic annual events, showcasing the incredible endurance and skill of both dogs and their human handlers.

5. In 1982, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred on November 24 - This catastrophic event, which saw millions of gallons of crude oil spill into Prince William Sound, had devastating consequences for the region's wildlife, ecosystems, and local communities, and remains one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.