1. On January 27, 1939, a record breaking snowstorm hit the town of Valdez, Alaska. Over five feet of snow fell in just 12 hours, causing severe damage to buildings and making transportation nearly impossible. The storm was one of the worst in the town's history.

2. In 1967, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was approved by the U.S. Congress, allowing for the construction of a 800-mile-long oil pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. The project was completed in 1977 and is still in use today.

3. On January 27, 2008, Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska, announced her candidacy for Vice President of the United States on the Republican ticket. She was the first woman from Alaska to run for national office and was ultimately unsuccessful in her bid.

4. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law on January 27, 1971, settling the land and financial claims of Alaska Natives and providing them with more than 40 million acres of land and $962.5 million in compensation.

5. On January 27, 1887, the United States Congress passed the Organic Act, which created the District of Alaska and established a civil government for the territory. This act paved the way for Alaska's eventual statehood in 1959.