Alaska Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Alaska Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Alaska Day commemorates the anniversary of the United States’ purchase of Alaska from Russia. The holiday is celebrated annually on October 18th.
On March 30, 1867, United States Secretary of State William H. Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl signed the Treaty of Cession, in which Russia agreed to sell Alaska to the United States for the sum of $7.2 million. The treaty was ratified by the United States Senate on April 9, 1867, and by the Emperor of Russia on May 28, 1867.
The formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place on October 18, 1867, at Castle Hill in Sitka. A grand celebration was held to mark the occasion, which was attended by over 700 people including Alaska Natives, Americans, and Russians.
Alaska Day is still celebrated in Sitka each year with a parade and other festivities. The holiday is also celebrated in other parts of Alaska, although on a much smaller scale.