The state of Alaska is located at the north-western extremity of the North American continent. It is separated from Russia by the Bering Strait. It is thought that the first people to settle in Alaska were native tribes that crossed from Russia and settled.
The state was owned by Russia but Russia was keen to sell it to America due to its difficulty to defend. During the nineteenth century European explorers were occupying and settling large areas of North America. Russia was facing internal problems and did not want to have to defend Alaska against Europeans.
On 1st August 1867 the United States Senate approved the purchase of Alaska from Russia for a total of $7,200,000.
On 18th October 1867 the state was formally transferred to the United States. The United States flag was raised and Alaska was declared the 19th State.
18th October is celebrated as ‘Alaska Day’ by residents of the state.
