1. In 1964, a massive 9.2 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska, causing widespread destruction and triggering tsunamis that also impacted other parts of the Pacific Ocean. Known as the Good Friday earthquake, it remains one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.
2. In 1912, the first successful ascent of Mount McKinley (now known as Denali) was completed by four men: Harry Karstens, Robert Tatum, Hudson Stuck, and Walter Harper. The peak is the highest in North America, with an elevation of over 20,000 feet.
3. In 1943, a Japanese submarine shelled the Unimak Island naval facility in the Aleutian Islands. This was part of a larger campaign by Japan to disrupt American operations in the Pacific during World War II. The attack caused some damage but no casualties.
4. In 2014, an avalanche in the backcountry of Chugach Mountains near Anchorage killed two snowboarders. The incident highlighted the risks of winter recreation in Alaska's rugged terrain, and prompted calls for increased safety measures.
5. In 1989, the infamous Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound. The tanker, carrying over 11 million gallons of crude oil, ran aground and spilled its cargo, causing significant environmental damage to the surrounding area. The incident led to increased regulations and safety measures for oil transportation in Alaska.