1. In 1964, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America occurred on February 24th. The earthquake, known as the Great Alaska Earthquake, had a magnitude of 9.2 and caused tsunamis and widespread damage throughout Alaska.

2. On February 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling over 10 million gallons of crude oil and causing one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.

3. In 1916, musher Harry Karstens became the first Park Superintendent of Denali National Park & Preserve on February 24th. He served in this role until 1921.

4. The first Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in Alaska on February 24, 1794. They established a settlement in Kodiak and began spreading their religion and culture throughout the native Alaskan population.

5. On February 24, 1947, Joe Vogler established the Alaska Independence Party, which advocates for Alaska's secession from the United States and has been a notable political movement in the state ever since.