2. Russia Sold Alaska To The United States
Mountaineer in Ruth Gorge, Alaska (Photo by Galen Rowell/Corbis via Getty Images)
Back in the 19th century, Alaska was not a part of the United States. It was a part of Russia until it was sold off to the Americans. Why do you ask?
Well, as the Civil War ended, the U.S. showed up its interest in purchasing Alaska. So around one hundred fifty years ago, U.S. Secretary of State and Russian envoy signed Treaty of Cession, and the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. These days Alaska is one of the wealthiest U.S. states. Thanks to its abundance of natural resources, numerous national park, and the tallest mountain called “Denali.”