1. On September 4th, 1979, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which spans 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, began operation. The pipeline carries crude oil from the North Slope to the southern coast of Alaska for shipment to refineries in the lower 48 states.

2. September 4th, 1889 marked the establishment of the first weather observatory in Alaska. The observatory was situated in Sitka and helped provide information on the climate of the region to aid fishermen and other industries.

3. On September 4th, 1966, the Alaska Federation of Natives was formed. The organization brought together numerous Native Alaskan villages from across the state to promote the interests of indigenous people in the political arena.

4. In 2004, on September 4th, the Pogo Mine began operations in Alaska's Interior region. The mine, located near Delta Junction, is one of Alaska's largest gold producers and has helped boost the state's economy.

5. On September 4th, 1945, the U.S. Army officially established Fort Richardson near Anchorage. The base was named in honor of Brigadier General Wilds P. Richardson, who had served in Alaska during World War II. Today, the base is home to several thousand military personnel and their families.