The Alaska Purchase: the United States buys Alaska from Russia

Background. Tsar Alexander II sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 due to concerns that the colony was losing money and would be difficult to defend against Britain in wartime. The Russian Empire feared its North American colonies might fall into British hands. During the American Civil War, Russia supported the Union as a counterbalance to Great Britain, setting the stage for diplomatic negotiations.

Negotiation. Following the Union victory in the Civil War, the Tsar instructed Russian minister Eduard de Stoeckl to re-enter negotiations with Secretary of State William H. Seward. Stoeckl was given authority to make the sale. The negotiations concluded after an all-night session, resulting in the signing of the treaty at 4:00 AM on March 30, 1867. Sources differ on the Senate ratification date: one account places it on April 9, 1867, while another states April 10, 1867.

Transfer. The formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place on October 18, 1867, in Sitka. The United States flag was raised on this date, now known as Alaska Day. The transfer established the Department of Alaska, the federal designation for the territory until 1884. The event was celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar used by the Russians.