Today’s Almanac, October 18: From the ice of Alaska to the beaches of Puerto Rico

On October 18, 1867Alaska officially becomes part of the United States. Washington bought it from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million (equivalent to about $129 today). More than one criticized the purchase, strongly supported by the Secretary of State William Seward. A vast territory, then practically uninhabited and – at the time – considered to be devoid of resources. Things changed when it was discovered to be very rich in gold and other raw materials instead. Became a state – the largest in the union – in 1959 (just ahead of Hawaii). Puerto Rico state is not yet. The island was ceded by Madrid to the United States on October 18, 1898, after the Spanish-American War. There have been various non-binding referendums over the years to decide the island’s future – whether to remain an “unincorporated territory” or become a full-fledged state – but the debate is still open.

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