About Alaska:
Once known as “Seward’s Folly” because William Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln, On October 18, 1867, the United States took possession of Alaska from Russia under the terms of a formal land transfer, in a ceremony in the town of Sitka. At a cost of $7.2 million (around $120 million in 2024 dollars), it comes to about two cents per acre. Although the deal was struck on March 30, 1867, and the Senate passed the treaty a few days later, the House of Representatives held up funding for the purchase for more than a year, as the public debate raged over the purchase price and soundness of Seward’s decision.
The Alaska Purchase gave the United States a land mass of 586,412 square miles (about twice the size of Texas). Looking back, it was one of the best real estate deals of all time…but few realized it at the time. The purchase was not well-noted until the Alaska Gold Rush of the 1890’s which brought Alaska national attention.
Alaska obtained statehood on January 3, 1959 as the 49th State (Hawaii became the 50th state in August 21st of that year).
An interesting fact is that he narrowest distance between mainland Russia and mainland Alaska is approximately 55 miles. However, in the body of water between Alaska and Russia, known as the Bering Strait, there lies two small islands known as Big Diomede and Little Diomede. Big Diomede is part of Russia while Little Diomede is part of the US. The stretch of water between these two islands is only about 2.5 miles wide and actually freezes over during the winter so you could technically walk from the US to Russia on this seasonal sea ice; however, these are two separate countries so we suggest you avoid the temptation.
Another island of interest is Saint Lawrence Island, larger than the two previously mentioned, and only inhabited by a few hundred people.
Alaska obtained statehood on January 3, 1959 as the 49th State (Hawaii became the 50th state in August 21st of that year). It is a state known for incredible beauty and abundant wildlife.
Catholic places of interest in Alaska:
Anchorage
Juneau: Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, National Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux
Traveling to Alaska:
Many visitors to Alaska arrive by cruise ships, which generally offer one or two days in port. Of course there are major airports in Anchorage and Juneau.