1. In 1867, the United States government purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a transaction that is now known as the Alaska Purchase. This event officially took place on March 30, but it wasn't until April 24 that the U.S. flag was raised in Sitka, the newly acquired capital of Alaska.

2. In 1898, during the Klondike Gold Rush, the steamer "Excelsior" arrived in San Francisco Bay carrying the largest amount of gold ever transported thus far during the gold rush. It was estimated to be worth $400,000, which is around $12 million in today's currency.

3. In 1915, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was completed in Juneau, Alaska. This historic church was built in the traditional Russian architectural style and is still in use today.

4. In 1986, Alaska's Mount Chernobyl erupted, spewing ash and steam over 20,000 feet into the air. The ash cloud reached as far as a thousand miles away, impacting air travel and causing poor visibility conditions.

5. On April 24, 2015, President Barack Obama visited Alaska to address climate change and call for greater action to protect Alaska's natural resources. During his visit, he met with native leaders and took a tour of the state's melting glaciers, which have been significantly affected by rising global temperatures.