On what date did the United States formally take possession of Alaska from Russia?

The United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia on October 18, 1867.

The date marked the transfer ceremony in Sitka, where Russian soldiers lowered their flag and the American flag was raised. Alaska Day commemorates this event each year. The ceremony followed the treaty’s signing on March 30 and the U.S. Senate’s ratification on May 15.

The United States bought Alaska for $7.2 million, about two cents per acre at the time. Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated the agreement with Russian diplomat Eduard de Stoeckl during Andrew Johnson’s presidency. Russia considered the territory difficult to defend and costly to maintain, especially in a future conflict with Britain.

Some Americans initially mocked the purchase with labels such as “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox.” Alaska later proved valuable for its natural resources and strategic position. It became a U.S. territory in 1912 and the 49th state in 1959.