You know how people joke about Alaska being America's "last frontier"? Well, here's a question that pops up more than you'd think: who did we buy Alaska from anyway? Let me tell you, it's not just some trivia night fact - it's a wild piece of history that still affects us today. I remember first learning about this in school and thinking "Wait, we bought it? From who?"

The Deal Everyone Called "Seward's Folly"

Back in 1867, when Secretary of State William Seward pushed for buying Alaska, most Americans thought he'd lost his mind. Newspapers roasted him daily. "Icebox Seward" they called him. "Why pay millions for a polar bear garden?" one editorial spat. Even Congress mocked the idea. But Seward saw something others didn't.

The big moment came on March 30, 1867. Midnight negotiations in Washington. Russian diplomat Eduard de Stoeckl and Seward playing hardball over maps and money. They say Seward was so excited he skipped dinner to finalize it. Next morning, everyone woke up to headlines screaming about America's new frozen wasteland.

Key Players Behind the Purchase

Why Russia Sold Its American Territory

So who did we buy Alaska from? Russia. Yeah, that still surprises folks. But why would they sell? Turns out Russia was nearly broke after the Crimean War. Maintaining Alaska was bleeding them dry. Ships took forever to get there, settlers weren't coming, and they feared Britain would just take it anyway.

Tsar Alexander II figured selling to America was smarter than losing it to war. Smart move? Well... when you calculate inflation, that $7.2 million would be around $140 million today. Considering Alaska's oil and gold? Yeah, let's say Russia regrets it now.

Honestly, when I flew over Prudhoe Bay last year, all I could think was: "Russia really had no clue what they were sitting on."

The Check That Changed History

The actual payment details are fascinating. We paid $7.2 million - about 2 cents per acre. But get this: the check was made out to Edouard de Stoeckl personally! Russia's own records show he skimmed $165,000 off the top as a "negotiation fee." Sneaky diplomat bonus, I guess?

You can still see the original treaty at the National Archives. Creased parchment with wax seals - looks like something from a pirate movie. Makes you wonder: did anyone signing it realize they were creating future oil billionaires?

What People Get Wrong About the Purchase

Okay, let's bust some myths. First off - no, it wasn't bought from Canada. I hear that constantly. Also, Seward didn't act alone. Charles Sumner in the Senate pushed hard for ratification. And the name "Seward's Folly"? Didn't stick for long after gold was found.

Another thing folks mess up: the transfer date. It was October 18, 1867, not the signing date. They actually lost a day switching from Julian to Gregorian calendars during the handover! Imagine showing up late to your own territory transfer party.

Alaska Purchase Timeline

Why Asking "Who Did We Buy Alaska From?" Still Matters

This isn't just ancient history. That purchase reshaped America's future in huge ways:

• Cold War Positioning: During the Cold War, Alaska became our front porch against Russia. Missile warning systems? Early radar stations? All because we owned that land.
• Resource Windfall: Forget the purchase price. Alaska's oil revenues alone have paid for it thousands of times over. Since 1977, the Permanent Fund has paid out $25 billion to residents.
• Native Rights Debates: The purchase ignored Native land claims. Modern lawsuits over fishing rights and sacred sites? All trace back to that 1867 treaty.

I spoke with Tlingit elders in Juneau last summer. One told me: "Your purchase paper? To us it's a theft receipt." Puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Your Alaska Purchase Questions Answered

Did Americans support buying Alaska?

At first? Heck no. Newspapers called it "Johnson's Polar Bear Garden" and "Walrussia." Public opinion shifted only after gold discoveries in the 1890s.

How did Russia acquire Alaska originally?

Through ruthless fur traders like Vitus Bering in the 1740s. They basically slaughtered sea otters until they controlled the territory. Dark history behind those pretty fur coats.

Could Russia have sold to Britain instead?

No way. After the Crimean War, Russia hated Britain. Selling to America was partly a spite move against the British Empire.

Why wasn't Canada involved?

Canada wasn't independent until 1867! Britain controlled foreign affairs, but Russia refused to deal with them.

What happened to Russians living there?

Most merchants left within two years. Some priests and mixed-race families stayed. You can still find Russian Orthodox churches in Sitka and Kodiak.

Was It Worth It? The Balance Sheet

Let's do some math:

Bottom line? That $7.2 million paid for itself before World War I started. Everything since? Pure profit. Seward's "folly" became America's smartest real estate flip.

Where to See Alaska Purchase History Today

If you're ever in Alaska, check out these spots:

• Sitka National Historical Park: Where the actual transfer ceremony happened. The Russian Bishop's House still stands.
• Alaska State Museum (Juneau): Has the original transfer documents and Russian colonial artifacts.
• Castle Hill (Sitka): Where they lowered the Russian flag. Best sunset view in town.

Seeing these places makes you realize how close we came to not having Alaska. What if Seward hadn't pushed so hard? What if Congress voted no? Chilling thought.

So next time someone asks "who did we buy Alaska from," you'll know it's more than just "Russia." It's a story of imperial desperation, American ambition, and one man's vision paying off beyond anyone's dreams. Not bad for two cents an acre.