In the early 1950s, Vic Fischer, a recent arrival to Alaska, was taken aback by his newfound status. “When I came to Alaska in 1950, I was completely shocked to find that I was no longer a full-fledged citizen of the United States,” he recalled. This wasn’t something only Fischer had felt, as it was the feeling that resonated with thousands of Alaskans living in this harsh environment. Despite being US citizens, these people lacked the basic rights and representation enjoyed by the citizens of other states. However, this changed on a bright and warm morning on 3rd January 1959, when Alaska was finally inducted as the 49th state of the United States of America after almost a century of dilemma.
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The Sale That Made it All Possible
The story of the USA and Alaska started in the 19th century. Russia was facing significant financial strains, exacerbated by the costly Crimean War. Alaska, though vast and resourceful, was remote and challenging to defend. Moreover, Russians weren’t very keen on keeping yet another icy land. However, the biggest concern was to defend it so far from its shores. As a result, fearing potential loss to rivals without compensation, Russia opted to sell the territory. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska for $7.2 million, a transaction orchestrated by Secretary of State William H. Seward. At the time,smo many Americans derisively referred to the acquisition as “Seward’s Folly,” questioning its value. However, this question will be answered soon enough.
The Significance of the Purchase
Despite initial scepticism, the acquisition of Alaska proved to be a strategic and economic boon for the United States. The territory encompassed approximately 586,000 square miles, rich in natural resources such as fur, timber, and, as later discoveries would reveal, gold and oil. This is when all the notions were changed, as Alaska was home to perhaps the biggest gold rush in human history. It is estimated that around 100,000 people migrated to the Klondike and Alaska region just to get their hands full in the gold rush. Some suggest that the total amount of gold extracted from Alaska is around 3.2 million ounces or 90.7 tons. Additionally, Alaska’s geographic position provided the U.S. with a strategic foothold in the Pacific, enhancing national security and expanding trade routes.
A Statehood Lost for Almost a Century
Following the 1867 purchase, America didn’t know much about what to do with this land mass. At this point in history, the USA was keen on acquiring more land by any means necessary. However, years after the acquisition, Alaska was still just an American territory. This was due to several factors. For one, the region’s sparse population was a big challenge. Due to its very small population, remote location, and harsh climate, establishing the infrastructure and governance system necessary for statehood became difficult.
Initially, people also had concerns about Alaska’s ability to generate enough income to consider it a state. However, that concern was crushed after gold and oil were discovered in the region. Lastly, and perhaps the most important factor stopping Alaska from becoming a state was its proximity to the Soviet Union, which at that time was an arch nemesis of the US and involved in a Cold War. All of these factors combined significantly impacted Alaska’s inability to receive statehood for almost a century.
Benefits Of Being a State
After receiving statehood in 1959, the people of Alaska enjoyed various benefits. For starters, full participation in the national legislative process. With two senators and a representative in Congress, Alaska’s unique concerns and priorities gained a platform at the federal level.
Economically, statehood opened new avenues for growth and development for the region. Federal funding increased, and investment provided the foundation for economic expansion, particularly following the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968. The subsequent construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline transformed the state’s economy, generating substantial revenue and creating thousands of jobs. The transition to statehood also brought significant improvements to infrastructure and public services. Federal support enabled the development of better roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, dramatically improving the quality of life for residents.
A Fight That Lasted a Century
After being denied the right to become a state, the Alaskans’ determination prevailed, putting Alaska on the map. The celebrations that followed the congressional vote for statehood in 1958 were a testament to Alaskans’ jubilation and optimism. LIFE magazine captured the scene, describing it as “A Jubilant Land of Promise: Alaska Makes It As a State.”
Today, Alaska serves as a powerful symbol of its people’s unwavering resilience and steadfast determination. From being labelled “Seward’s Folly” to becoming a vital part of the United States, Alaska’s history is a rich tapestry of strategic decisions, economic potential, and the unwavering spirit of its inhabitants.
