he Russian Empire strived to gain a foothold in the Americas during the 18th century, but after a defeat in the Crimean War, 1853-1856, Russia no longer had the financial capabilities to support its colonies in Alaska. Russia preferred the territory go to the United States rather than Great Britain, Russia’s longtime enemy, but the Civil War kept America’s attention far away from northern Alaska. After the Civil War, Secretary of State William Seward quickly pursued the Russian offer. On March 30, 1867, Seward and Russian ambassador Stoecki signed the treaty for the U.S. purchase of Alaska. The United States paid $7.2 million, roughly two cents per acre, for the large territory that would one day provide the country with gold and numerous natural resources. At first, this event was known as “Seward’s Folly,” but the strategic advantage coupled with the territory’s wealth of resources ultimately made it a wise purchase for the United States.