On this day in 1867, the U.S. formally takes possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million, or less than two cents an acre. ($0.02 in 1867 is equivalent in purchasing power to $0.33 in 2017, a difference of $0.31 over 150 years) The Alaska purchase comprised 586,412 square miles, about twice the size of Texas, and was championed by William Henry Seward, the enthusiasticly expansionist secretary of state under President Andrew Johnson.

Russia wanted to sell its Alaska territory, which was remote, sparsely populated and difficult to defend, to the U.S. rather than risk losing it in battle with a rival such as Great Britain. Negotiations between Seward (1801-1872) and the Russian minister to the U.S., Eduard de Stoeckl, began in March 1867. However, the American public believed the land to be barren and worthless and dubbed the purchase “Seward’s Folly” and “Andrew Johnson’s Polar Bear Garden,” among other derogatory names. Some animosity toward the project may have been a byproduct of President Johnson’s own unpopularity. As the 17th U.S. president, Johnson battled with Radical Republicans in Congress over Reconstruction policies following the Civil War. He was impeached in 1868 and later acquitted by a single vote. Nevertheless, Congress eventually ratified the Alaska deal. Public opinion of the purchase turned more favorable when gold was discovered in a tributary of Alaska’s Klondike River in 1896, sparking a gold rush. Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959, and is now recognized for its vast natural resources. Today, 25 percent of America’s oil and over 50 percent of its seafood come from Alaska. It is also the largest state in area, about one-fifth the size of the lower 48 states combined, though it remains sparsely populated. The name Alaska is derived from the Aleut word alyeska, which means “great land.” Alaska has two official state holidays to commemorate its origins: Seward’s Day, observed the last Monday in March, celebrates the March 30, 1867, signing of the land treaty between the U.S. and Russia, and Alaska Day, observed every October 18, marks the anniversary of the formal land transfer.

Source: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-takes-possession-of-alaska Foot Note

For perspective in Nigeria, $0.02 in 1867 would be N7.24 at the current exchange rate. We have heard stories of land, bought at ridiculous prices years back by our parents, family members or different individuals, that the value now is more than 1000% of the cost at which it was bought. And we have heard stories, of individuals that passed off such golden opportunity, only for them to be filled with sorrows years later. Opportunities exist all around us that we can tap into, to secure our future generation. Beyond the drive to make more money, should be the desire, to have a lasting structure that would ensure your grandchildren, would bless you with prayers. Prov 13:22, in the good book says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children….”.

Are you that wise man? Key into this opportunity NOW!