1. On January 24, 1956, the village of Eagle, Alaska experienced a bitter cold snap, with temperatures dropping as low as -72°F (-58°C). This was the coldest temperature ever recorded in the state, and one of the coldest temperatures recorded in North America.

2. On January 24, 1964, a massive earthquake struck Alaska, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. Known as the Great Alaska Earthquake, it was the second largest earthquake ever recorded, and caused widespread damage and loss of life.

3. January 24, 1978 saw the opening of the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. The ski resort is one of the largest in North America, with over 1,600 skiable acres and an average annual snowfall of over 600 inches.

4. On January 24, 1985, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil. The disaster had devastating effects on local wildlife and ecosystems, and is considered one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.

5. In 2004, on January 24, the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau was evacuated due to a bomb threat. The building remained closed for several hours while authorities searched for explosives, but none were found. The incident was believed to be a hoax.