1. On February 20, 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States of America. This followed a long process of negotiations and discussions between the federal government and Alaskan leaders.

2. In 1834, the Russian Orthodox Church established its first mission in Alaska, which marked the beginning of a major social and cultural shift for the indigenous people of the region. February 20 is sometimes celebrated as the anniversary of this event.

3. The town of Valdez, located on the southern coast of Alaska, was devastated by a massive earthquake on February 20, 1964. The earthquake, which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale, caused widespread damage and triggered a series of deadly tsunamis.

4. The Alaska Marine Highway, a system of ferries that provide transportation between coastal communities throughout the state, was officially established on February 20, 1963. The system has been a crucial lifeline for Alaskans living in remote areas, and has also become a popular tourist attraction.

5. February 20 is also the birthday of Joe Miller, a lawyer and politician who represented Alaska in the United States Senate from 2011 to 2015. Miller is known for his conservative stance on issues such as immigration and gun control, and has been a controversial figure in Alaskan politics.