1. In 1896, prospector George Carmack found gold on Rabbit Creek in what is now known as the Klondike Gold Rush. This discovery led to a rush of prospectors to the area and played a significant role in Alaska's economy.

2. On September 24, 1964, Alaska was hit by a massive earthquake, the second-largest ever recorded, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. It caused significant damage to the state's infrastructure and resulted in tsunamis across the Pacific.

3. In 1931, the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines (now known as the University of Alaska Fairbanks) opened its doors to its first students. Today, it is the flagship university of the state's university system.

4. The first powered flight in Alaska took place on September 24, 1913. James V. Martin built an airplane in his Fairbanks machine shop and flew it successfully for the first time on this day.

5. On September 24, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation admitting the Territory of Alaska as the 49th state of the United States. This event marked a significant step in Alaska's path towards statehood and sovereignty.