#OnThisDate October 18, 1867 - Bold Purchase

2 months ago
11

The United States Officially Acquired Alaska From Russia In A Bold Move That Reshaped The Nation’s Future.

Negotiated By U.S. Secretary Of State William H. Seward, The Purchase Added 586,412 Square Miles Of Vast, Untamed Land To The United States For $7.2 Million, Approximately Two Cents Per Acre.

The Transfer Ceremony Took Place In Sitka, Alaska, As Russian Troops Lowered Their Flag And American Soldiers Raised The Stars And Stripes.

Despite The Initial Skepticism, Dubbed “Seward’s Folly,” This Strategic Acquisition Soon Proved Its Worth With The Discovery Of Gold In The 1890s, Sparking The Famous Klondike Gold Rush.

The Purchase Marked A Significant Shift In U.S. Territorial Expansion, Reflecting The Nation's Growing Interest In The Pacific And Arctic Regions.

It Was Seen As A Diplomatic Achievement During The Presidency Of Andrew Johnson, Especially In A Post-Civil War America Eager To Assert Its Global Presence.

The Acquisition Also Served To Reduce Russian Influence In North America, While Strengthening America's Position As An Emerging Power On The World Stage.

In Retrospect, Alaska’s Strategic And Economic Value Has Been Immense.

Rich Natural Resources, Including Gold, Oil, Timber, And Fisheries, Have Made It A Key Contributor To The U.S. Economy.

The Event Is Now Celebrated Annually As “Alaska Day,” Commemorating The Official Transfer And Reflecting On A Purchase Once Criticized But Ultimately Celebrated As One Of America’s Greatest Bargains​.

For enthusiasts of Historical Ephemera, visit History-Collectors.com to find collectibles that might complement your collection.

You Can Own A Piece Of History.

Before you go, a simple way to support the efforts of this channel is to Like, Subscribe, Comment And Share.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#TDIH #Patriotic #Americana #History #HistoryCollectors #Historical #AmericanHistory #HistoricalFacts #HistoryMatters #Ephemera #October18 #AlaskaDay #SewardsFolly #AlaskaHistory #USExpansion

Loading 2 comments...