ADVERTISEMENT
The US Bought Alaska From Russia
Alaska has been “owned” by lots of different countries. Before it was a part of the US, the last owner was the neighbor to the east (and west, depending on how you view the map), Russia. The then-Secretary of State William Seward was ridiculed for the deal back in 1867, as it cost the US $7.2 million. The public labeled the deal “Seward’s Folly.”
A few years later, gold was discovered in Alaska, resulting in a population boom, and all mention of folly was forgotten. In fairness, the price was a bargain because even in today’s adjusted dollars, it amounts to not much more than $30 million or so.
