This Day in
History

Imagine buying a place like Alaska for 7.2 million dollars. That is what the United States did when they bought Alaska from Russia. On October 18, 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States, making Alaska part of the United States. At first many Americans thought the purchase was an idea. They did not see the use of such a place. Over time Alaska proved to be worth more than people had expected. I was surprised to see how valuable Alaska was.

Before the purchase, Russia had control over Alaska. Russia was having trouble maintaining its settlements there. Russia also feared losing Alaska to Great Britain because of tensions and other issues. After the American Civil War ended, U.S. Secretary of State William Seward made a deal with Russia. The agreement was signed in March 1867. The official transfer did not happen until October 18 that year.

The day finally arrived in Sitka, Alaska. 250 American soldiers marched to the governor’s house for a flag raising ceremony. The Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised in its place. The United States had gained Alaska for 7.2 million dollars. Not everyone believed this was a good decision. Some people even called the purchase "Seward’s Folly" because they thought Alaska was too cold and away to be of any real use.

Alaska turned out to be more valuable than many people imagined. Gold was found in the Yukon in 1896 which gave some attention to the area. Then, Alaska became important during World War II. Alaska officially became a state on January 3, 1959. Now, October 18 is celebrated as Alaska Day. What some once considered a bad purchase became one of the most important land deals in history. It is fascinating that a purchase that was once believed that it was bad became so significant.