1895 Alaska Map

The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and on October 18, formally took control in the Russian America capital of Sitka. The financial decline of the Russian American Company, paired with the Crown’s uncertainty it could defend its North American holdings, forced Alaska’s sale. William H. Seward brokered the Alaska purchase for $7.2 million; his decision was unpopular as public opinion considered the investment worthless.