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Get ready to delve into some fascinating history this Seward's Day on March 25! Named after the then-secretary of State, William H. Seward, this legal holiday is celebrated with plenty of vigor in the wonderful U.S. state of Alaska. Seward, known for his decisive action, negotiated the Alaska Purchase treaty and made it official on March 30, 1867. Talk about a significant purchase! This savvy negotiation saw Alaska, a land of majestic wildlife and scenic landscapes, become an integral part of our nation. So, let's appreciate Seward's foresight every last Monday in March and celebrate the expansion of our nation!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Alaska Purchase Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Alaska Purchase treaty was signed on March 30, 1867, which led to the Alaska territory being sold from Russia to the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Alaska Becomes Territory</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 7, 1912, Alaska officially became an organized incorporated territory of the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1959</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statehood for Alaska</div><div class='timeline-text'>After lengthy lobbying efforts, Alaska was admitted as the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Seward’s Day Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>On the centennial of the Alaska Purchase treaty, the first Seward's Day was celebrated in Alaska to commemorate the historic event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record-breaking Seward's Day Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2019, a record number of Alaskans turn out to celebrate Seward's Day, enjoying festivities including historical reenactments, presentations, and local food specialties.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the Alaska State Museum</h3><p class='facts-text'>To fully appreciate Seward's Day, pay a visit to the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. This museum offers a comprehensive history of the state, and is a great way to understand the historical significance of Seward's purchase.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an Alaskan-themed party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Celebrating Seward's Day could be as simple as hosting a party that honors Alaskan culture. Serve traditional Alaskan food, invite guests to dress in Alaskan attire, and play Alaskan music.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take a virtual tour of Russia</h3><p class='facts-text'>Alaska was purchased from Russia, so what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in Russian culture? You can do this virtually these days - from taking a virtual tour of the Kremlin to learning some Russian recipes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Write an essay or create an art piece about William Seward</h3><p class='facts-text'>You can honor the historical significance of Seward's Day by writing an essay about William Seward, or creating a piece of visual art that celebrates his achievements. Share your completed work with friends, family, or even on your blog!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary about the Alaska Purchase</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dive into history and learn more about the Alaska Purchase by watching a documentary on the topic. This could be followed by a discussion with friends or family to share what everyone has learned.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Seward's Day provides a rich perspective of history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Seward's Day offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Alaska and its purchase, which played a pivotal role in the expansion of the United States. We love it because it not only sheds light on the past but also encourages us to appreciate the strategic decisions that shaped our nation as we know it today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Seward's Day celebrates culture and diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating Seward's Day through Alaskan-themed parties or immersing in Russian culture, we get to experience the essence of diverse cultures and traditions. This enriches our understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage that became a part of America through the Alaska Purchase.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Seward's Day fosters creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether it's writing essays about William Seward, creating art pieces that celebrate his achievements, or cooking traditional Alaskan food, Seward's Day allows room for creativity. It prompts us to express our thoughts, share knowledge, and honor history in our unique ways, creating a feeling of community and shared heritage.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Alaska was purchased at a price of 2 cents per acre</h3><p class='facts-content'>At a cost of $7.2 million, the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia, which on estimation comes to about 2 cents per acre - a striking evidence of Seward's negotiation skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Seward's purchase was mocked as "Seward's folly"</h3><p class='facts-content'>William Seward's decision to purchase Alaska was ridiculed by critics who referred to it as "Seward's Folly", "Seward's Icebox," and "Andrew Johnson's Polar Bear Garden." Little did they realize the treasure trove of natural resources it held.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Seward's Day is not a public holiday nationwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even though the acquisition of Alaska impacted the entire US, Seward's Day is recognized as a paid legal holiday only in Alaska, highlighting the state's gratitude towards Seward.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Seward suffered an assassination attempt the same night as Abraham Lincoln</h3><p class='facts-content'>On the same night that President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, an attempt was made on Seward's life – but he survived. This only deepened his resolve to secure a legacy, leading to the purchase of Alaska.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ancestors of Current Alaskans Coastally Migrated from Asia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before being Russian territory or Seward's purchase, ancestors of the Alaskan Natives coastally migrated from northeastern Asia across the Bering Strait at least 12,000 -15,000 years ago. These historical migrations play a key role in the culture and history of present-day Alaska.</p></div></div>
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