1. In 1964, a massive earthquake rocked Alaska on September 3, killing over 100 people and causing widespread destruction. The 9.2 magnitude quake remains the second-largest ever recorded.

2. September 3, 1950 marked the first official broadcast of Alaska’s own public radio station, now known as KSKA.

3. In 1912, President William Howard Taft visited Alaska on September 3. He spoke in front of a large crowd in Seward, addressing concerns about the development of the new territory.

4. On September 3, 1955, a U.S. Navy plane crashed near Kodiak Island. All 10 crew members died. A monument was later erected on the island in their honor.

5. September 3, 1928 is the birthday of legendary Alaskan bush pilot Don Sheldon. Sheldon, who passed away in 1975, is credited with completing numerous rescue missions in treacherous mountain terrain using his small plane.