December 22nd

One significant event that took place on December 22nd in history was the signing of the Treaty of Cession, which formally transferred ownership of Alaska from Russia to the United States.

On this day in 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl signed the treaty in Washington D.C., officially making Alaska a part of the United States. The purchase of Alaska, often referred to as "Seward's Folly," was met with skepticism and ridicule at the time, with many people questioning the wisdom of spending $7.2 million on what was seen as a cold, barren wasteland.

However, in the years following the acquisition of Alaska, the territory proved to be rich in resources such as timber, oil, and fish, and it has played a vital role in the economic and strategic development of the United States. Today, Alaska is home to a diverse array of cultures and communities, and it is an integral part of the United States.

The signing of the Treaty of Cession on December 22nd, 1867 was a significant event in history that helped shape the course of the United States and its relationship with the world. It is a reminder of the importance of looking beyond surface appearances and seeing the potential in things that may initially seem unlikely or unappealing.