The Russians sold the vast territory to the U.S. for $7.2 million dollars, or about two cents an acre. At the time, many Americans considered it money wasted on a worthless "icebox", but within a few years, Alaska's salmon fisheries brought an economic boom to Americans. Additionally, thirty years after the territory was transferred to the U.S., gold was discovered in Alaska.
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An iceberg filled Portage Lake makes it one of the most popular destinations in Southcentral Alaska.
- Source: alaska.com
Of course, the oil they found there later wasn't bad, either.
ReplyDeleteNotorious Russian politician/pundit Vladimir Zhirinovsky once said that Russia was clearly ripped off by the U.S. and should either demand additional compensation or take Alaska back.
Interesting. MM, thanks for sharing that.
ReplyDelete