The Secretary of State William H. Seward purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. This significant acquisition was known as the Alaska Purchase. It was initially met with skepticism and criticism, with critics referring to Alaska as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox" due to its perceived lack of value. However, Alaska later proved to be rich in resources such as oil, timber, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to the United States.
