1. On December 23, 1964, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 struck Alaska, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of 139 people.
2. In 1992, on December 23, Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, killing all 88 people on board.
3. December 23, 1954 marks the date of the historical signing of ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) by President Richard Nixon, which recognized and settled longstanding land claims by Alaskan Natives.
4. On December 23, 1985, the state of Alaska was hit by a severe blizzard, which caused whiteout conditions and resulted in stranded travelers and closed highways.
5. In 1959, on December 23, the Alaska Statehood Act was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, officially granting Alaska its statehood status.