1. In 1888, the Arctic-bound steamship Jeannette arrived in St. Michael, Alaska. The vessel was on a mission to explore the Arctic Ocean and became the first American ship to sail through Bering Strait. It was eventually trapped in ice and sank, but the crew survived.

2. On September 25, 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh made a stop in Fairbanks, Alaska during his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He was greeted with a parade and a reception in his honor.

3. In 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States. September 25 is celebrated each year in Alaska as Statehood Day to commemorate this historic event.

4. On September 25, 1968, the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America hit Alaska. The magnitude 8.5 earthquake caused widespread damage and resulted in 14 deaths.

5. In 1986, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The spill was caused by the grounding of the oil tanker Exxon Valdez and resulted in one of the worst environmental disasters in United States history. September 25 is now recognized as National Public Lands Day, a day to promote conservation and preservation of public lands in the wake of the tragedy.