Exploring The Territories Of The United States

Exploring The Territories Of The United States — page 5
Russia had claimed Alaska since 1741 when fur traders from that country discovered that sea otter and fur seal pelts from Alaskan waters could be sold for high profits In 1867 Russia surprised the United States by offering Alaska for sale William H Seward Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson drew up an agreement for the purchase William H Seward 1801 1872 Congress was not enthusiastic Only a few hundred Americans mostly miners had ever visited Alaska People thought Seward was foolish to even consider it and the proposal became known as Seward’s Folly Nevertheless the Senate voted in favor of the purchase and on July 14 1868 the House of Representatives appropriated 7 2 million to buy Alaska Andrew Johnson 1808 1875 8