Alaska was originally owned by the Russian Empire before being put up for sale in 1859. The Russians wanted to sell the land to America in order to offset the plans of Great Britain, their greatest rival, in means of war. But, at this time no deal was broken due to the Civil War.
After the Union victory, the Russians sent Russian minister Eduard de Stoeckl to negotiate another deal with Secretary of State William Seward. The negotiations lasted all night ending in signing a treaty at 4 a.m on March 30, 1867. The land was sold to us at $7.2 million, or 2 cents/acre, for a 586,412 square mile addition to the country. It was later found that financial value of the land was much more than we had bargained for due to being rich in natural resources. There was a senate debate the day after the treaty but was mostly focused on disgust over President Johnson and his impeachment trial.
Seward
Eduard
Alaska:
Alaska is twice the size of Texas and larger than the 22 smallest U.S. states combined. In it's entirety, it is approximately a quarter of the lower 48 states in area. The climate of interior Alaska is subarctic where the highest temperature recorded was 100 degrees and the lowest at -80 degrees F. Alaska is most known for its abundance of natural resources, natural beauty, and the times of darkness in the different seasons of the year.
I think that Alaska was a great purchase for the United States, it adds some variety to our culture. I would love to visit Alaska some day as I have a cousin in the military that lives near Sitka with his wife and son. Alaska has always intrigued me in its beauty and wildness. I believe we have Wiiliam Seward to thank for this amazing vacationing place in our country.
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Well done!!