How the U.S. Acquired Alaska: The 1867 Purchase from Russia

The United States bought Alaska from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million (2¢/acre) on March 30, 1867—the "Alaska Purchase," championed by Secretary of State William H. Seward.

Why Russia Sold

• Overextended: Crimean War (1853–56) exposed naval weakness; couldn't defend Pacific coast.
• Unprofitable: Russian-American Company (fur trade) declining; sea otters hunted out.
• British threat: Canada (British) next door; Russia feared seizure in next war.
• Focus: Resources better spent on Amur/Primorye (Vladivostok founded 1860).

Why Seward Bought

• Strategic: "Ice-free ports" (overstated), Pacific naval presence, counter Britain.
• Economic: Whaling, fisheries, timber, minerals (gold unknown yet).
• Manifest Destiny: Continental completion, Asian trade gateway.
• Personal: Seward's expansionist vision; supported by Sumner (Senate).

The Deal

Negotiated with Baron Eduard de Stoeckl (Russian minister). Treaty signed March 30, ratified Senate 37–2 (April 9), House funded (July). Transfer ceremony Oct 18, 1867 (Sitka). "Seward's Folly," "Seward's Icebox," "Walrussia" — mocked until Klondike Gold (1896) and WWII strategic value proved it.

Scale

586,412 sq mi — largest state, 1/5 of Lower 48. Coastline: 33,904 mi (more than rest of US combined).