1. In 1995, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first Russian Orthodox missionaries to Alaska. On August 9th of that year, a special religious service was held in Sitka to commemorate the occasion.

2. On August 9, 1977, the Tlingit-Haida Central Council held a historic meeting in Klawock, Alaska. The council, which represents over 30,000 tribal members in Southeast Alaska, discussed a range of important issues affecting the region, including land use, resource management, and cultural preservation.

3. August 9, 1991, was the day that the Alaska State Legislature voted to move the state capital from Juneau to Anchorage. The controversial decision sparked a fierce debate among lawmakers and citizens alike, with many arguing that the move would negatively impact Juneau's economy and way of life.

4. On August 9, 1905, a steamship called the SS Wisconsin ran aground near Kodiak Island, Alaska. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, but the ship was lost. The accident inspired the creation of a lighthouse on Kodiak Island to help prevent future disasters.

5. August 9, 1960, marks the day when the village of Chenega was destroyed by a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The disaster claimed the lives of 23 people and caused widespread damage throughout the region. Today, Chenega is home to a small fishing community and serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of natural disasters in Alaska.