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On the last Monday of March, the rest of the country goes about its business as usual. In Alaska though, it is Seward’s Day, and many of the state’s operations are closed in honor of Secretary of State William H. Seward’s purchase of Alaska from Russia.
In the late 1800s, even the screaming deal of $7.2 million for 586,412 square miles was considered a poor purchase and led to the phrase “Seward’s folly.” Now known as a place that’s rich in natural resources and much more, Seward’s purchase is considered one of the best in U.S. history.
– Liz Baker, The Alaska 100