Alaska Day

Alaska Day
Type	Historical
Significance	Commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States
Date	October 18
Frequency	Annual

Alaska Day is a legal holiday in the U.S. state of Alaska, observed on October 18 each year. This day commemorates the anniversary of the formal transfer of the territory of Alaska from Russia to the United States, which took place on October 18, 1867.

Historical Background

The Alaska Purchase was an agreement between the United States and Russia, in which the U.S. acquired approximately 586,412 square miles of land at the cost of $7.2 million. This transaction, often referred to as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," was negotiated by William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson.

The transfer ceremony took place in Sitka, Alaska, which was the capital of the Alaska Territory at the time. On October 18, 1867, Russian soldiers lowered the Russian flag and the U.S. flag was raised in its place, marking the official transfer of sovereignty.

Observance

Alaska Day is a state holiday in Alaska, meaning that state government offices, schools, and some businesses may be closed. Celebrations often include parades, reenactments of the transfer ceremony, and other community events, particularly in Sitka, where the original ceremony took place.

Significance

The purchase of Alaska was initially met with skepticism by many Americans, who viewed the territory as a barren wasteland. However, the discovery of gold in the late 19th century and the strategic importance of Alaska during World War II and the Cold War highlighted the value of the acquisition.

Also see

• Alaska Purchase
• William H. Seward
• Sitka, Alaska
• History of Alaska
• Seward's Folly