1. In 1917, the first shipment of coal was sent from the newly established town of Chickaloon in the Matanuska Valley.

2. In 1942, a Japanese submarine bombarded the town of Dutch Harbor on the Aleutian Islands, killing nearly 50 people and causing significant damage. This was the first time enemy forces had attacked American soil since the War of 1812.

3. In 1964, a powerful earthquake measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale struck Alaska, causing widespread damage and triggering a massive tsunami that devastated coastal communities. The quake remains the second-largest ever recorded.

4. In 1991, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was amended to allow for the establishment of Native corporations in the state. These corporations have played a key role in promoting economic development and preserving Native culture and traditions.

5. In 2018, Alaska's first-ever marijuana retail stores opened for business, following the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state in 2015. The move has generated significant revenue for the state and provided new opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers alike.