1. The Alaska State Flag was officially adopted on September 1, 1959. The flag features eight gold stars, representing the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star, on a field of blue.

2. On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, sparking the beginning of World War II. This event had a significant impact on Alaska, which was an important strategic location for the United States during the war.

3. In 1972, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act became law on September 1. This legislation granted land and financial compensation to Alaska Native people as part of a settlement for the federal government's historical treatment of indigenous peoples in Alaska.

4. On September 1, 1995, the oil tanker MV Sea Empress ran aground off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. The tanker spilled thousands of tonnes of crude oil, causing significant environmental damage. This event highlighted the risks and potential consequences of oil transportation, including in Alaska.

5. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on September 1, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The disaster raised awareness of the need for disaster preparedness and response, including in remote areas like Alaska, which are vulnerable to natural disasters.