Before 1867, Alaska was a territory of Russia known as Russian America. The territory was first colonized by Russian explorers and traders in the early 18th century, who were primarily interested in the region's rich natural resources such as fur-bearing animals and fish. The Russian-American Company, a trading company chartered by the Russian government, played a key role in the colonization and development of the territory.

During this time, Alaska was a remote and sparsely populated region, inhabited primarily by indigenous peoples such as the Aleut, Inuit, and Tlingit. These native peoples had lived in the region for thousands of years and had developed complex societies and cultures adapted to the harsh Arctic environment. The Russian colonists established trading posts and settlements along the coast, where they traded with the native peoples for furs and other goods.

In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States in what became known as the Alaska Purchase. The purchase was negotiated by US Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Eduard de Stoeckl. The US paid $7.2 million for the territory, which at the time was seen as a controversial and risky decision. Many Americans saw Alaska as a desolate and frozen wasteland, unworthy of such a high price tag.

However, over time Alaska proved to be a valuable acquisition for the United States. The discovery of gold in the late 19th century brought a wave of settlers and prospectors to the territory, leading to the development of towns and infrastructure. The territory became a US state in 1959, and today Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique culture.

To learn more about the history of Alaska before 1867, you can visit the official website of the Alaska Historical Society at https://alaskahistoricalsociety.org/. The site offers a wealth of resources and information on Alaska's past, including articles, photographs, and archival documents.

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