Seward's Day

Seward's Day is a state holiday in Alaska observed on the last Monday in March each year. It honors William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The holiday recognizes Seward's vision and determination in securing what would become the largest U.S. state.

While Alaska Day (October 18) commemorates the actual transfer ceremony, Seward's Day focuses on honoring the man behind the purchase and the diplomatic achievement that made it possible. It is a paid holiday for Alaska state employees, though many private businesses remain open.

The holiday is particularly significant as a reminder that great decisions are not always popular at the time — the Alaska purchase was widely ridiculed as "Seward's Folly" before history proved its enormous value.

The history of Seward's Day is inseparable from the story of the Alaska Purchase. In 1867, Secretary of State William Henry Seward (1801–1872) negotiated a treaty with the Russian Empire to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million, approximately 2 cents per acre. The deal was signed on March 30, 1867, and the U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on April 9, 1867.

At the time, the purchase was deeply unpopular. Critics called it "Seward's Folly", "Seward's Icebox", and "Andrew Johnson's Polar Bear Garden" (Johnson was president at the time). Many Americans could not understand why the government would spend millions on a seemingly frozen wasteland.

Seward's legacy was vindicated by history. The Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s, the strategic importance of Alaska during World War II and the Cold War, and the discovery of massive oil reserves on the North Slope in the 1960s all proved the extraordinary value of the purchase.

Seward's Day became an official Alaska state holiday in 1918, recognizing Seward's contribution to Alaska's history. The date — the last Monday in March — falls close to the March 30 anniversary of the treaty signing.

Educational Programs: Schools across Alaska use Seward's Day as an opportunity to teach students about the history of the Alaska Purchase, the role of William Seward, and the development of Alaska as a U.S. territory and state.

Historical Exhibits: Museums and cultural centers in Alaska often feature special exhibits about Seward, the Alaska Purchase, and the Russian-American period.

Community Events: Various communities in Alaska hold lectures, film screenings, and discussion panels about Alaska's unique history and Seward's role in shaping the state.

Library Programs: Public libraries frequently organize reading events and historical presentations centered on Alaska's acquisition history.

Flag Ceremonies: Some government buildings and schools hold flag ceremonies to mark the occasion and reflect on Alaska's journey from Russian territory to American statehood.