This Day in the Law
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March 30

Seward’s Folly (1867)


On March 30, 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward purchased the territory of Alaska in a move that was known as Seward’s Folly. Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000, or about 1.9¢ per acre. This purchase gained 586,412 square miles for the United States.

Russia wanted to sell the Alaskan Territory because of conflicts with Britain, which had control of the neighboring province of British Columbia. Russia and Britain had recently ended the Crimean War, but Russia felt that the Alaskan Territory was a weak spot in its defenses, should another conflict with Britain arise. Russia suggested a deal with the United States in 1859, but it was put on hold due to the beginning of the Civil War.

In 1867, after the war was over, Russia again approached the United States about purchasing the Alaskan Territory, and negotiations began between Russia and William Seward. On March 30, 1867, Seward signed a treaty purchasing the territory of Alaska on behalf of the United States.

This purchase was named Seward’s Folly because many felt that it was a waste of the nation’s money to buy such a remote and seemingly useless piece of land. However, when valuable oil, furs, and fish were discovered in Alaska, Seward’s instinct to purchase the land was proven correct.

Seward's Day, a holiday in honor of Seward, is celebrated in Alaska on the last Monday of March to mark the purchase of Alaska.