March 30: The United States and Russia Sign Treaty for the Purchase of Alaska (1867)
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Alaska. And pray for relations between the United States and Russia.
History Note
Russian explorers, traders, and missionaries began visiting North America in the 1700s. They traveled along the coast of what is now the United States and Canada as far south as California. They interacted with indigenous people groups such as the Unangax̂ (Aleuts), Tlingit, and Alutiiq.
By the middle of the 19th century, Russia wanted to sell its claims to territory in Alaska. Russian diplomat Eduard de Stoeckl negotiated with U.S. Secretary of State William Seward. They agreed on a price of $7.2 million dollars (about $150 million in 2025) and signed a treaty on March 30, 1867. The U.S. Senate approved the treaty on April 9.
The U.S. government referred to Alaska as a department, a district, and a territory before it became a state in 1959. Alaska is the largest U.S. state by size. However, it only has about 750,000 people, making it 48th by population (ahead of Vermont and Wyoming).
This is the cancelled check drawn on the U.S. Treasury for the purchase of Alaska.
Learn More
The United States government officially took possession of Alaska on October 18, 1867. Watch this video about the process. Please Note: There is a painting of a battle from the Crimean War.
Learn more about Alaska at Homeschool History.
