1. In 1942, American and Japanese forces engaged in a naval battle off the coast of Alaska. Known as the Battle of Cape Esperance, the engagement resulted in a strategic victory for the Americans.

2. On October 1, 1971, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The ANCSA established a framework for settling Native land claims in Alaska and provided for the distribution of funds to Alaska Native villages and corporations.

3. In 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the city of Anchorage on October 1. The earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, but there were no fatalities reported.

4. On October 1, 1912, the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines (now the University of Alaska Fairbanks) opened its doors to students for the first time. The school was established to provide higher education opportunities for Alaskans and to support the state's growing mining industry.

5. In 2019, Alaska became the first state in the US to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on October 14, instead of Columbus Day. This decision was made to acknowledge the contributions and history of Alaska Native peoples, and to promote cultural understanding and healing.