From Russian Territory to American Territory to State | Grandma's Ramblings

We think of Alaska as American territory, but the first permanent North American settlement in Alaska by non-natives was Russia in 1784. Emperor Peter I commissioned Vitus Bering to explore the area. He led an expedition from 1725 to 1727 making a map of the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Following his explorations, it was understood that Asia and North American were not connected by land. The area of sea that separates the two continents is named Bering Strait after Vitus Bering. Only 52 miles separates two countries.

After Bering led further expeditions into the area, Russian traders brought sea otters and beaver pelts back to Russia. This led Emperor Paul I to direct the Russian-American Co to create new settlements in the area. The name “Alaska” comes from the Russian version of an Aluet name which means “object to which the action of the sea is directed” or “Great Land.” Their colonies reached as far south as northern California. The Russians settlers, however, never reached any great number. It is estimated at its peak there were only 800 people.

Russian missionaries brought the Russian-Orthodoxy religion to the area. The first mission was established in 1794 at Kodiak Island. In 1799 the church appointed the first American Bishop. In 1848 the Cathedral of St. Michael was built.

While there are still Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska, their “golden age” came to an end when Alaska was purchased by the United States.

Russian lost in the Crimean war of 1853 to 1856 and was left financially drained. Afraid they might lose it in another war and realizing the area was sparsely populated Emperor Alexander II offered to sell Alaska int he late 1850’s.

William Seward, Secretary of State, led in the quest to buy Alaska. On March 30, 1867 the United States agreed to pay Russia $7.2 million. After consent by the Senate, President Andrew Johnson ratified the treaty on May 28. A formal ceremony took place on October 18 when the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised. Today October 18 is a state holiday. There are parades and a re-enactment of the lowering of the Russian flag and raising the American flag.

Copy of check in the amount of $7.2 million issued August 1, 1868

The treaty allowed Russian residents of Alaska the right to return to Russian within three years or remain in Alaska and become full United States citizens. The “uncivilized tribes” (the native people) were not allowed to become citizens but were to be subject to American law.

Many Americans did not agree with this purchase and called it “Seward’s Folly.” The Russian minister who negotiated with treaty was criticized and accused of taking bribes. He quit his job as diplomat and moved to Paris.

Seward died before he could be vindicated. But in 1872 gold was discovered in Alaska and this brought an influx of population leading to boom towns with thriving fishing, trapping and mining. In 1968 oil was discovered and in 1977 the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System led to an oil boom that has funded the state’s budget.

Alaska remained a U.S. military district until 1912 when it became incorporated as a U.S. Territory. During World War II Alaska became an important outpost for the military and was a strategic asset during the Cold War.

In 1949 the Alaska Statehood Committe was created and many prominent citizens, including Eleanor Roosevelt, began advocating for statehood. Republicans defeated statehood bills that were introduced because Alaska was basically a Democratic area. When Republican-based Hawaii applied for statehood, Congress approved making Alaska the 49th state and Hawaii the 50th.