In 1867, the United States Secretary of State William Seward signed a treaty with the Empire of Russia to purchase the territory of what would be called Alaska.

The United States purchased it for two cents an acre.

At the time, it was called one of the worst

deals in American history. Today it's considered the greatest bargain of all time.

Learn more about the purchase of Alaska on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Book your ticket to happiness with Sun Express Airlines. This episode is

is sponsored by Audible.com.

My audiobook recommendation for this show is Seward, Lincoln's Indispensable Man by Walter

Star. William Henry Seward was Lincoln's Indispensable Man by Walter Starr.

William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the 19th century.

Progressive Governor of New York and outspoken U.S. Senator,

he was the odds-on favor to win the 1860 Republican nomination for President.

As Secretary of State and Lincoln's closest advisor during the Civil War, Lincoln not only managed

foreign affairs, but had a substantial role in military, political, and personal matters.

You can get a free one month trial to Audible and two free audio books by going to Audible Trial

dot com slash everything everywhere or by clicking on the link in the show notes.

The Russian presence in the Americas dates back to the early 18th century,

traders and merchants who spread across Siberia just

kept going when they reached the Pacific Ocean.

If Siberia was distant from the Russian population centers in Europe, then Alaska was really far away. In fact it earned the nickname

Siberia's Siberia. Russia's interest in Alaska was in furs and trapping. The

sea otter was of primary interest to the few Russians who bothered to settle.

Most Russian efforts in the region in the 18th century were never really serious.

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