Today in U.S. history: On March 30, 1867 the United States acquired Alaska from Russia. The 586,412 square miles worth of land cost the U.S. $7.2 million. The Alaska purchase marked the end of Russian efforts to expand trade and settlements to the Pacific coast of North America. Further, this allowed the U.S. to rise as a great power in the Asia-Pacific region. History Beginning in … [Read more...]
The Day Alaska Joined The Union
This Week in Alaskan History: Then President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation on January 3, 1959 which admitted the territory of Alaska into the Union. With a flick of his pen, Eisenhower made Alaska not only the 49th state, but the largest as well. "Seward's Folly" Ninety-two years prior, then Secretary of State William H. Seward signed a treaty with Russia on March 30, … [Read more...]
Seward’s Day
Today Alaskans will celebrate Seward’s Day. On the last Monday of every March, Alaskans recognize Seward's Day. It commemorates the signing of the treaty by which the United States purchased Alaska from Russia. History of the Alaska Purchase U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward signed a treaty with Russia for the purchase of Alaska for $7 million. Despite the bargain … [Read more...]
