Since when does Alaska belong to the USA?

Alaska has been part of the United States of America since March 30, 1867. On that day, the treaty was signed by which the USA acquired Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars. This event is often referred to as "Seward's Folly," after William H. Seward, the then US Secretary of State, who was instrumental in promoting the purchase. Although many contemporaries were skeptical and believed the land to be worthless, Alaska has proven to be extremely valuable over the years, both due to its natural resources and its strategic location.

The purchase was solemnly completed on October 18, 1867, and Alaska thus became an American territory. However, it took some time for Alaska to attain statehood. Only on January 3, 1959, did Alaska become the 49th state of the United States. This long period between the purchase and its classification as a state was marked by the development of infrastructure, the exploitation of resources, and the settlement of people.

The history of Alaska is therefore closely linked to the westward expansion of the USA. Time and again, it has been shown that the initial skepticism regarding the purchase was misplaced, considering the enormous natural resources that Alaska has to offer. From gold to oil to other raw materials, Alaska has played a crucial role in the economic history of the United States.