1. In 1886, gold was discovered in Kotzebue Sound, leading to a rush of prospectors to the area. This eventually led to the establishment of the town of Nome and the Klondike Gold Rush.

2. In 1942, the Alaska Highway was officially completed, connecting Alaska to Canada and the continental United States. The highway was built in just eight months and played a crucial role in World War II by providing a route for military supplies to be transported to Alaska.

3. In 1986, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art opened its current location after moving from a smaller building. The museum contains more than 25,000 objects, including Alaskan Native art and artifacts from the state's history.

4. In 2002, the Campbell Creek Science Center opened in Anchorage, providing educational programs and exhibits focused on the natural history and ecology of Alaska.

5. In 2014, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook the Aleutian Islands, approximately 130 miles southwest of Adak. Despite its strength, the quake did not cause any reported injuries or significant damage.