Selling and Buying Alaska: From 1867 to Statehood

The history of Alaska began to unfold when the United States purchased the territory from Russia in 1867. This transaction marked a significant turning point in the region's development and played a crucial role in the expansion of the American empire.

Russia's Interest in Selling Alaska

Russia first offered to sell Alaska to the United States in 1859, initially believing that the U.S. would offset the ambitions of Russia's greatest rival, Great Britain, in the Pacific. However, the ongoing American Civil War delayed the deal. In 1867, Russia renewed their offer, and Secretary of State William Seward accepted. He recognized the strategic importance of the land, given its proximity to the Pacific and potential natural resource wealth.

The Purchase Letter and Treaty of Transfer

The United States agreed to pay 7.2 million dollars for the territory, a sum that, given the economic conditions of the time, was considered a fair price. The Senate approved the treaty on April 9, 1867, and President Andrew Johnson signed it on May 28. The formal transfer took place on October 18, 1867, in Sitka, Alaska, marking the official end of Russian presence in North America.

The Initial Era: Department of Alaska (1867-1884)

In the years following the purchase, Alaska remained largely unexplored and under various forms of governance. From 1867 to 1884, the region was governed under military and naval control, with brief periods of Treasury Department rule. In 1884, the Department of Alaska was reorganized into the District of Alaska, paving the way for more organized administration.

Early Exploration and Development

Western Union laid a telegraph line across Alaska in 1865, making it easier to communicate and increasing the region's strategic importance.

The Alaska Commercial Company and the military contributed significantly to the exploration of the territory, with numerous trading posts being set up along major rivers.

The Klondike Gold Rush and a Varying Post-War Response

The discovery of gold in the Yukon Territory in Canada in 1896 sparked a Klondike Gold Rush, which brought thousands of miners and settlers to Alaska. This event was both a boon and a challenge for the region, as it now found itself on the easier route to the goldfields. The rush led to the establishment of numerous new cities like Skagway, and the notorious figure Soapy Smith, who operated a criminal empire, met an end in a shootout.

Additional Resources Exploitation and Population Growth

Gold was also discovered in Alaska itself in Nome in 1899, prompting the establishment of new towns such as Fairbanks and Ruby.

The Alaska Railroad started construction in 1902, connecting Seward to Fairbanks by 1914, despite not yet reaching the lower 48 states.

Commercial activities, including fishing, canning, and copper mining, began to flourish in the early 20th century.

A boundary dispute with Canada was finally resolved in 1903, ensuring a clearer sense of territorial ownership.

From District to Territory (1912-1959)

In 1912, Congress passed the Second Organic Act, reorganizing Alaska and renaming it the Territory of Alaska. By 1916, the population had grown to about 58,000. Despite legislative efforts to promote statehood, such as Delegate James Wickersham's introduction of Alaskans' first statehood bill, the push for statehood stalled due to lack of interest from Alaskans and small population.

The Jones Act and Its Economic Impact

The Jones Act of 1920 imposed stringent requirements on shipping, ensuring that only U.S.-flagged vessels could navigate Alaskan waters. This act created economic dependency and resentment among Alaskans, as they felt the wealth generated by their labor was flowing into Washington business holdings, not benefiting the people of Alaska.

Conclusion

From a remote and under-explored territory in 1867 to a vital region of the United States by the early 20th century, Alaska's journey reflects the broader themes of American expansion and the complex interplay of economic and political forces shaping the nation's territories.