United States purchases Alaska

The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for 7.2 million U.S. dollars at approximately two cents per acre ($4.74/km²). The area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on May 11, 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959

Alaska on behalf of Tszar (Emperor) Alexader II was sold by Russian Minister of Finance Mikhail von Reutern to save Russian Empire's budget from deficit originated by Russia's invasion in Crimea and Caucasus against Turkey. Russia had no means to protect Alaska in case of Turkish Allies - British (Canada) invasion & spent more than 5% from the purchase price to "lobby"  (bribe) US Congressmen for buying "icy rocks".

Reutern family originated in Riga, von Reutern himself is burried in family cemetery near Ezere Manor, Latvia