What explorer discovered what became the US state of Alaska? The answer to this question lies in the rich history of exploration and discovery in North America. The exploration of Alaska began in the 18th century, and it was a series of intrepid explorers who laid the groundwork for the eventual inclusion of this vast territory into the United States.
In the early 18th century, Russian explorers were the first to venture into what is now known as Alaska. Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer in the service of the Russian Empire, is credited with the discovery of Alaska in 1741. Bering’s expedition was primarily interested in finding a sea route to the Pacific Ocean, but in the process, they encountered the Alaskan coastline and claimed it for Russia.
Following Bering’s discovery, other Russian explorers and traders continued to explore and settle in Alaska. The Russian-American Company was established in 1799, and it played a significant role in the development of the Alaskan region. However, as the 19th century progressed, the United States became increasingly interested in acquiring Alaska due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources.
The most famous explorer associated with the discovery of Alaska is undoubtedly Ferdinand von Zeppelin. In 1848, von Zeppelin led an expedition to Alaska in search of gold. Although his expedition did not find any significant amounts of gold, it was instrumental in opening up the Alaskan interior to American settlement and exploration.
The most significant event in the exploration of Alaska, however, was the purchase of the territory from Russia in 1867. Known as the Alaska Purchase, this deal was brokered by Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Eduard de Stoeckl. The United States acquired Alaska for $7.2 million, a price that was widely criticized at the time but has since been seen as a shrewd investment.
Since becoming a part of the United States, Alaska has grown into a vital state with a unique culture and economy. The discovery of Alaska by explorers like Bering, von Zeppelin, and others has had a lasting impact on the history and development of the region. Today, Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich resources, all of which can be traced back to the intrepid explorers who first set foot on its shores.
