State of the World from NPR How Alaska Went from Russian Colony to U.S. State
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Aug 13, 2025 Discover how Alaska's transformation from a Russian colony to a U.S. state has shaped current political dynamics. Delve into the historical significance of the 1867 purchase and the skepticism that surrounded it at the time. Learn about the ongoing debates in Russia regarding Alaska's American status. The backdrop of ongoing U.S.-Russia relations adds a layer of intrigue, connecting long-ago decisions to contemporary diplomatic events.
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Geography And Symbolism Of Alaska
- Alaska sits just 55 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait, making it a natural meeting place for U.S.-Russia talks.
- The state's history as a Russian colony adds symbolic meaning to the Trump-Putin summit location.
Alaska's Russian Colonial Past
- Alaska was a full-fledged Russian colony with lasting cultural traces like Russian Orthodox churches.
- Lee Farrow noted many Americans know we bought Alaska but don't realize it hosted an active colonial presence.
The 1867 Sale Viewed Differently
- Russia sold Alaska for $7.2 million in 1867, roughly two cents an acre, a price that looks tiny today.
- At the time, Russia viewed the territory as an expensive, remote outpost it could not afford to keep.