Anchorage, Alaska

1964Great Alaska Earthquake: A 9.2 magnitude earthquake — the most powerful ever recorded in North America — devastated Anchorage, lasting over four minutes. The quake killed 131 people and caused massive landslides.

1968Prudhoe Bay Oil Discovery: The discovery of massive oil reserves at Prudhoe Bay transformed Anchorage from a small frontier town into the economic hub of Alaska's oil boom.

1914Anchorage Founded as Railroad Camp: Anchorage began as a tent city for workers building the Alaska Railroad. The construction camp grew into Alaska's largest city.

1977Trans-Alaska Pipeline Completed: The 800-mile pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez was completed, with Anchorage serving as the administrative and logistics hub for the massive project.

1959Alaska Becomes 49th State: Alaska was admitted as the 49th state, and Anchorage became its largest city and economic center.

1989Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: The Exxon Valdez tanker spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound south of Anchorage, creating the worst oil spill in U.S. history at the time.

1985Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: The Iditarod, which starts near Anchorage, became world-famous as the 'Last Great Race,' covering 1,000 miles of wilderness to Nome.

1942WWII Military Buildup: The Japanese bombing of Dutch Harbor and occupation of Attu and Kiska led to a massive military buildup in Anchorage, permanently transforming the city.

20187.1 Magnitude Earthquake: A 7.1 earthquake struck Anchorage, damaging roads and buildings and reminding residents of the constant seismic threat.

2000Anchorage as Air Cargo Hub: Anchorage's strategic location between Asia and North America made Ted Stevens International Airport one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the world.