1. May 4, 1869, marked the arrival of the first U.S. Secretary of Alaska, William H. Seward, in the territory. Seward was responsible for negotiating the Alaska Purchase, which added the territory to the United States.

2. On May 4, 1916, the first airplane flight in Alaska took place. The flight was conducted by pioneer aviator James V. Martin, who flew over the Knik Arm near Anchorage.

3. In 1971, on May 4, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law. The act provided for the settlement of land claims made by Alaska Native groups and resulted in the transfer of large amounts of land and compensation to Native corporations.

4. On May 4, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington State erupted. The ash from the eruption was carried by the wind and deposited in Alaska, resulting in widespread damage to crops and livestock.

5. May 4, 2007, marked the opening of the Alaska Veterans Memorial Bridge in Anchorage. The bridge was built to honor Alaska's veterans and provide a new route across the Knik Arm.