1. In 1955, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the Aleutian Islands region of Alaska, causing extensive damage and triggering a small tsunami.

2. The Alaska State Fair, held annually in Palmer, Alaska, traditionally begins around August 13th and runs through Labor Day weekend.

3. On August 13, 1942, a naval battle took place near Kodiak Island between Japanese and American forces. The Japanese submarine I-25 shelled the American installation on Fort Abercrombie but failed to cause any significant damage.

4. In 1990, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker that ran aground and spilled millions of gallons of oil into Prince William Sound in March of that year was finally towed away from the site of the disaster on August 13th.

5. August 13, 1939 marked the opening of the Alaska Highway, a historic road connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States that was built during World War II in just eight months. The ceremony was held near Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory.