1. In 1916, the United States Congress officially named Alaska's Mount McKinley as the highest peak in North America, measuring at 20,320 feet. However, in 2015, the name was officially changed back to Denali, the name given to the mountain by Alaska Natives.

2. On February 12, 1935, the Territory of Alaska established its first fish and game laws, protecting the state's natural resources and ensuring sustainable fishing and hunting practices.

3. In 1967, Alaska's infamous "Good Friday Earthquake" occurred on February 12, registering at a magnitude of 9.2 and lasting for over 4 minutes. It is the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America.

4. On February 12, 1983, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race began in Anchorage. The annual race covers over 1,000 miles across the Alaskan wilderness, following historic trails used during the 1925 serum run to Nome.

5. In 1997, February 12 marked the first day of the 11th annual Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, featuring events such as a snowshoe softball tournament, a World Championship Sled Dog Race, and the famous Running of the Reindeer.