1. On December 21, 1905, the first public library in Alaska opened in the city of Sitka, with a collection of around 1,500 books.

2. In 1968, the newly constructed Trans-Alaska Pipeline began delivering oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, a journey of over 800 miles. The pipeline remains one of the largest construction projects in Alaska's history.

3. December 21, 1970 marked the first day of construction on the Alaska Marine Highway, a network of ferry routes that connect communities across the state's Southeast and Southwest regions.

4. On December 21, 1987, the Alaska State Legislature enacted the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which awarded land and financial compensation to Alaska Native communities whose traditional lands had been taken away by the federal government.

5. In 2012, the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race was held on December 21, with mushers and their teams racing more than 300 miles through the Alaskan wilderness in subzero temperatures. The race is a popular winter event that draws competitors and spectators from around the world.