Alaska Becomes a U.S. Territory: May 17, 1884

On May 17, 1884, the United States formally established the civil governance of Alaska by declaring it a U.S. territory. This development was a significant step in the integration of Alaska into the United States following its purchase from Russia 17 years earlier.

Context and Background

• The Alaska Purchase (1867): Known as “Seward’s Folly” after U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, the purchase involved the United States acquiring Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million—approximately 2 cents per acre. This acquisition was initially met with skepticism by both Congress and the American public, who questioned the value of the remote and rugged land.

• Sparsely Populated and Underdeveloped Region: After the purchase, Alaska was designated as a military district, with minimal governance infrastructure. The area remained sparsely populated, with few American settlers and mostly indigenous peoples, Russian settlers, and others living there.

The Organic Act of 1884

• Territorial Status Establishment: The passage of the Organic Act on May 17, 1884, was a turning point that provided a rudimentary government structure for Alaska. This act followed increased interest in Alaska due to the discovery of natural resources such as gold and fish. It signaled a move from military administration to civil governance, allowing for the appointment of a governor and creating a legal system.

• Governor’s Responsibilities: Under the new territorial system, John Henry Kinkead was appointed as the first governor of Alaska. His duties included building a government framework and managing the affairs of the territory within the confines of federal oversight.

Impact and Aftermath

• Legal and Administrative Foundation: The Organic Act initiated the creation of a rudimentary judicial system by establishing a district court and applying relevant federal laws to the territory. However, it lacked a territorial legislature, limiting local autonomy in legal matters.

• Economic and Cultural Development: The establishment of civil governance began to encourage investment and settlement in Alaska, setting the stage for the rapid economic development that would follow towards the end of the 19th century, particularly during the Klondike Gold Rush.

• Path to Statehood: The governance structure laid down by the Organic Act of 1884 was a foundational step in Alaska’s long journey towards becoming a U.S. state, which it achieved in 1959.

May 17, 1884, marks a significant transition in Alaska’s history, evolving from a military district into a recognized U.S. territory, paving the way for its future development and eventual statehood.