1. In 1918, the first airplane flew over the Alaska Railroad. This marked a significant milestone in the development of transportation in Alaska. The plane was a Curtiss JN-4D, piloted by Major Grant.

2. In 1942, American troops landed on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska during World War II. The Japanese had taken control of the islands earlier that year, and the American forces engaged in a fierce battle to regain control.

3. In 1973, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra made its debut performance. Today, the orchestra is a major cultural institution in Alaska and performs throughout the state.

4. In 1985, a massive earthquake struck the city of Kodiak, Alaska. The earthquake, which registered 7.8 on the Richter scale, caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city. However, no one was killed or seriously injured in the quake.

5. In 2016, Alaska Airlines completed its acquisition of Virgin America, making it the fifth largest airline in the United States. The acquisition allowed Alaska Airlines to expand its reach and offer more flights to customers throughout the country.