1. In 1917, the United States Congress passed the Organic Act, creating the Territory of Alaska. Prior to its passage, Alaska was considered a district of the Department of Alaska.

2. On August 4, 1943, the Aleutian Islands became the site of one of the longest, bloodiest, and most forgotten battles of World War II. The Aleutian Campaign lasted from June 1942 until August 1943, with American and Canadian forces attempting to push out a Japanese garrison from the islands. The campaign resulted in over 3,000 deaths and casualties on both sides, and marked the first time that the Japanese had been forced to retreat in the war.

3. August 4, 1967, was a significant date for the Alaska Native community, as it marked the signing of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The act resolved all Native land claims in Alaska and provided for the creation of regional Native corporations.

4. In 2008, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources reported a rare sighting of a white grizzly bear in the Tongass National Forest on Baranof Island. The bear, believed to be a natural color variation of the species, gained national attention and was featured in numerous news reports and documentaries.

5. August 4, 2010, marked the 50th anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake, which remains the most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history. The quake, with a magnitude of 9.2, resulted in widespread damage around the state and triggered a massive tsunami that devastated coastal communities. The disaster resulted in 115 deaths and caused over $2 billion in property damage.