1. On October 8, 1867, the United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia. The purchase of Alaska, also known as Seward's Folly or Seward's Icebox, marked the end of Russian colonial presence in North America and expanded the territorial boundaries of the US.

2. In 1904, the first shipment of copper from the Kennecott Mine in Valdez was transported to Tacoma, Washington. The discovery and mining of copper in Alaska played a significant role in the state's economic development and helped establish several towns and communities.

3. On October 8, 1933, the Alaska Railroad completed its extension from Seward to Anchorage. The railroad, which was originally built to provide transportation for gold miners in the early 20th century, became a vital link for Alaska's commerce and development.

4. In 1956, the M/V Tustumena, an Alaska state ferry, was launched in Tacoma, Washington. The ferry, which is still in operation today, provides year-round transportation for passengers and vehicles between several communities in Southcentral and Southwest Alaska.

5. On October 8, 2006, the North Slope Borough became the first local government in the United States to enact a carbon tax. The tax, which applies to emissions from the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy practices in the Arctic region.