1. On October 24, 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. The transfer ceremony took place at Fort Sitka, which is now a national historic park that visitors can explore.

2. In 1935, Mount Susitna, a dormant volcano located across Knik Arm from Anchorage, was designated as a game refuge to protect its wildlife and scenic value. Today, it's a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

3. On October 24, 1952, the U.S. Air Force established an early-warning radar station at Cape Lisburne on the western coast of Alaska. The station was part of a network of Cold War-era defenses designed to detect and respond to potential Soviet attacks.

4. In 1972, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The law settled land and financial claims by native Alaskans, and established regional corporations to manage the settlement funds and promote economic development in native communities.

5. On October 24, 2005, a cargo plane crashed near Dillingham while on a routine flight from Anchorage to Bristol Bay. All six crew members on board were killed in the accident, which was later attributed to icing on the aircraft's wings. The crash highlighted the risks of flying in Alaska's harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.