After 68 years of being ruled by the Russian Empire, on March 30, 1867, the government of the United States under President Andrew Johnson purchased the territory of Alaska from the Russian Empire for 7.2 million dollars, about $150 million in 2022, which was a good deal for over 665,000 square miles of land! Yet, at the time, many people criticized the purchase saying it was a waste of money. They began to call Alaska "Seward's Folly" after William Seward, the Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase. 

On October 18 of the same year, 250 US soldiers landed and marched through the town of New Archangel (present-day Sitka) until they reached the governor's house on top of Castle Hill. Here, the small Russian contingent lowered the flag of the Russian Empire, and the American troops raised the Stars and Stripes. From that day on, Alaska became known as the Alaska Territory until it gained statehood on January 3, 1959.

In 1917, the Alaska territorial legislature declared Alaska Day a state holiday, and every year on October 18, the state observes Alaska Day. To commemorate this important day, every year, there is a large celebration in Sitka called the Alaska Day Festival, where a historical reenactment of the transfer ceremony takes place, and the Russian flag is lowered while the American is raised accompanied by ceremonial music. 

As part of the festival, there is a parade through the city's central business district where school bands, local politicians, well-known figures, and even members of the pipe and drum regiment of the Seattle Fire Department march. 

As part of the celebrations, there is a period dress ball where guests dress in their best 1860s attire to socialize and dance to music performed by the US Army band. If you want to see some 1860s fashion, you can't miss this one-of-a-kind event!

Other activities include dance performances and, in past years, an open house where people can see the inside of a US Coast Guard rescue vessel, among other fun activities.

As an official state holiday, state government offices, the court system, schools, and other government services are closed. Some businesses close, and employees are entitled to take the day off.   

If you would like to attend these celebrations, we recommend you book your trip to Sitka and other locations in Southeast Alaska.