1. The Alaska Gold Rush Began on September 5, 1896

On September 5, 1896, a man named George Carmack discovered gold in Rabbit Creek, which would later become known as Bonanza Creek, in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This discovery led to the Klondike Gold Rush, which drew thousands of eager prospectors to Alaska and the Yukon Territory in search of riches.

2. The Aleutian Islands Campaign Began on September 5, 1942

On September 5, 1942, the United States launched an attack on the Japanese-held islands of Kiska and Attu in the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska. The campaign would last for several months and result in the first American land victory of World War II.

3. The Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline Was Completed on September 5, 1977

On September 5, 1977, the last section of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline was completed. The pipeline, which stretches 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay in the north to Valdez in the south, was built to transport oil from the Prudhoe Bay oil fields to the port of Valdez for shipment to the Lower 48.

4. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Was Signed on September 5, 1971

On September 5, 1971, President Richard Nixon signed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act into law. The act provided for the settlement of land and resource claims made by Alaska Native communities, and established a framework for the transfer of ownership and management of lands and resources from the federal government to Alaska Natives.

5. The Alaska State Fair Opens on September 5th Every Year

The Alaska State Fair, which takes place annually in Palmer, Alaska, opens on September 5th every year. The fair features a wide range of exhibits, competitions, and activities, including agricultural shows, craft displays, carnival rides, and live entertainment.