When Did Alaska Became a State?

The Alaska Statehood Act was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, paving the way for Alaska’s official entry into the union. In this article, we will learn about when did Alaska became a state, interesting facts and more.

When Did Alaska Become the State of the United States?

In 1884, Alaska became the United States Civil and Judicial District. With this, Alaska came under US law, and a federal court was subsequently established for law enforcement. Alaska became a US territory in 1912 after international boundaries were demarcated between the US and Canada. Finally, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959, following a multi-decade push for statehood.

Why is Alaska Part of the USA?

Russia had settled in Alaska in the 1790s, but trapping in Alaska was far less profitable than Russians initially thought. Transporting the fur across the Bering Strait was too costly. Russia offered the territory which they called Russian America, to the United States. Still, the offer was not seriously considered because the Civil War broke out in the United States around the same time, and the President got busy. Russian America was offered again to the United States at a bargain. The United States bought Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million which was about two cents per acre. 

Talks about the sale took place between a Russian representative named Eduard de Stoeckl and the U.S. Secretary of State, William H. Seward. This transaction is often referred to, as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox” because many Americans initially saw it as a foolish purchase. 

Alaska is part of the USA because of this deal, called the Alaska Purchase between the United States and Russia.

Where is Alaska?

Alaska is in the northwest part of North America. It has the Arctic Ocean to the north, Canada to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Bering Sea and Bering Strait to the west. Alaska is not connected to the other U.S. states because Canada is in between, making it unique.

Interesting Facts About Alaska

• October 18 is observed as Alaska Day, marking the official transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867. The ceremony occurred in Sitka, then the capital of the territory.
• The discovery of gold in the late 19th century, particularly the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896, brought a surge of settlers and prospectors to Alaska, contributing to its development and increasing its population.
• Alaska is rich in natural resources. The oil discovery at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 prompted the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, becoming a crucial economic catalyst for the state.

Related Links

• Key Facts of Alaska
• What is the Capital of Alaska?
• What is Alaska known for?