Seward's Day

Understanding Seward's Day: Alaska's Celebration of the Great Land

Seward's Day is a uniquely Alaskan holiday that commemorates one of the most significant real estate transactions in human history. While the rest of the United States may view the purchase of Alaska as a distant historical footnote, for those living in the "Last Frontier," this day represents the official birth of Alaska as an American territory. It is a day dedicated to the vision of a single statesman, William H. Seward, who saw immense potential in a frozen wilderness that many of his contemporaries dismissed as a useless wasteland.

What makes Seward's Day special is its focus on the intersection of international diplomacy, bold political risk-taking, and the eventual vindication of a man once ridiculed by the press. It is a celebration of Alaska’s identity—a bridge between the Russian influence of the past and the American spirit of the present. Beyond the historical technicalities, the holiday serves as a reminder of the state’s vast natural beauty, its strategic importance to the defense of the Western Hemisphere, and the incredible wealth of resources that have fueled the American economy for over a century.

In the heart of an Alaskan March, as the long winter begins its slow retreat and the days grow noticeably longer, Seward's Day provides a moment of reflection. It is not just about a signed piece of paper; it is about the courage to look at a map and see opportunity where others see only ice. It marks the moment when 586,000 square miles of mountains, tundra, and coastline were added to the American story, forever changing the trajectory of the North Pacific.

When is Seward's Day in 2026?

Seward's Day is observed annually on the last Monday of March. This scheduling allows Alaskans to enjoy a three-day weekend, providing a welcome break during the transition from late winter to early spring.

In 2026, the holiday will be observed on:

• Day of the week: Monday
• Date: March 30, 2026
• Countdown: There are 86 days remaining until the celebration.

The date of Seward's Day is variable rather than fixed. While the actual treaty was signed in the early morning hours of March 30, 1867, the state of Alaska follows a "Monday Holiday" format to ensure consistency for workers and state services. This means that while the historical anniversary is March 30th, the public observance may shift slightly from year to year to land on the final Monday of the month.

The History of the Alaska Purchase

The story of Seward's Day begins in the mid-19th century, a time when the Russian Empire was struggling to maintain its distant North American colonies. Following the Crimean War, Russia found itself in financial distress and feared that its territory in Alaska might be seized by the British Empire, its rival in Canada. Seeing little profit in the fur trade that had once dominated the region, Czar Alexander II decided to sell the land to the United States.

Enter William H. Seward, the United States Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Seward was an ardent expansionist who believed that the United States was destined to exert influence across the entire continent and into the Pacific. He entered into secret negotiations with the Russian Minister to the United States, Baron Édouard de Stoeckl.

The climax of these negotiations occurred on the night of March 29, 1867. Seward was playing cards at his home in Washington, D.C., when Stoeckl arrived with news that the Czar had approved the sale. Rather than waiting until the following morning, Seward insisted on concluding the deal immediately. The two men and their secretaries worked through the night at the State Department, finally signing the Treaty of Cession at 4:00 A.M. on March 30, 1867.

"Seward's Folly" and the Critics

The purchase price was set at $7.2 million. While that sounds like a bargain today (amounting to roughly two cents per acre), it was a hard sell to the American public and Congress in 1867. The United States was still reeling from the aftermath of the Civil War, and many felt that spending millions on a "worthless" Arctic territory was fiscal madness.

The press was relentless. Newspapers dubbed the new acquisition "Seward's Folly," "Seward's Icebox," and "Johnson's Polar Bear Garden." Critics argued that the land had no value and would be an impossible burden to defend and govern. Despite the mockery, Seward remained steadfast. He spent the following weeks campaigning for the treaty's ratification, emphasizing the region's fisheries, timber, and potential for mineral wealth. The U.S. Senate eventually ratified the treaty on April 9, 1867, by a margin of 37 to 2—a victory that was much closer than the final tally suggests, as the debate was fierce and contentious.

Historical Vindication

The ridicule didn't last forever. The discovery of gold in the late 1890s, particularly the Klondike and Nome gold rushes, brought thousands of people to the territory and proved that Alaska was a treasure trove of mineral wealth. Later, the discovery of massive oil reserves at Prudhoe Bay and the strategic importance of Alaska during World War II and the Cold War silenced the critics for good. William H. Seward, once the butt of political jokes, is now remembered as a visionary who secured one of the greatest geopolitical bargains in history.

How Alaskans Celebrate

Seward's Day is celebrated with a mix of historical reverence and community spirit. Because it is a state holiday, the atmosphere across Alaska is one of local pride.

Educational Programs

Schools and museums often host special exhibits during the week of Seward's Day. These programs focus on the 1867 treaty, the life of William H. Seward, and the complex history of the Russian-American Company. Indigenous perspectives are also increasingly highlighted, acknowledging that while Russia "sold" the land to the U.S., the various Alaska Native peoples who had lived there for millennia were not consulted in the transaction.

Community Gatherings

In many towns, especially the city of Seward (named in the Secretary's honor), community events are common. These may include: Historical Reenactments: Local actors sometimes dress in 19th-century attire to recreate the signing of the treaty. Art and Craft Fairs: Local artisans display works that celebrate Alaskan wildlife, landscapes, and heritage. Outdoor Activities: Since the holiday falls in late March, it often coincides with the tail end of the winter sports season. Many Alaskans take advantage of the day off to go skiing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing before the spring thaw begins in earnest.

Reflection on Statehood

For many, the day is a time to reflect on Alaska's journey from a "district" to a "territory" and finally to the 49th state in 1959. It is a day to celebrate the resilience of the people who live in the North and the unique culture that has developed in the wilderness.

A Crucial Distinction: Seward's Day vs. Alaska Day

It is common for those outside the state to confuse Seward's Day with Alaska Day, but for Alaskans, the two are very different milestones.

1. Seward's Day (Last Monday in March): This commemorates the signing of the treaty in Washington, D.C. It marks the legal agreement to transfer the land.
2. Alaska Day (October 18): This commemorates the formal transfer of the territory. This took place in Sitka, Alaska, several months after the treaty was signed. On this day in 1867, the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised for the first time on Alaskan soil.

While Seward's Day is a celebration of the diplomatic achievement, Alaska Day is a celebration of the physical presence of the United States in the region. Both are legal holidays in the state, but they represent different stages of the acquisition process.

Practical Information: Is it a Public Holiday?

Yes, Seward's Day is a legal holiday in the state of Alaska. However, because it is a state-level holiday and not a federal one, its impact on daily life is specific to the region.

What is Closed?

State Government Offices: All Alaska state government offices are closed on the last Monday of March. This includes the Alaska Court System and state administrative departments. Public Schools: Most school districts across Alaska observe the holiday and are closed for the day. Some Local Government: Many municipal and borough offices also close in observance. State Libraries and Museums: These are typically closed, though some may hold special events.

What Remains Open?

Federal Government: Since Seward's Day is not a federal holiday, the U.S. Post Office, federal courts, and federal agencies remain open and operating on a normal schedule. Private Businesses: Most private businesses, including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and restaurants, remain open. Some may have slightly reduced hours, but the "Last Monday in March" is generally a regular business day for the private sector. Public Transit: Most public transit systems in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau continue to operate, though sometimes on a reduced holiday schedule.

Travel and Tourism

If you are traveling to Alaska during this time, you should be aware that while state-run attractions might be closed, the holiday does not generally disrupt travel plans. In fact, it can be a great time to visit, as the "spring break" atmosphere often leads to local events and a sense of community celebration.

The Legacy of the Purchase

The $7.2 million spent in 1867 has been repaid thousands of times over. Beyond the billions of dollars in gold, copper, oil, and timber, Alaska provides the United States with a massive strategic footprint in the Arctic. It is home to vital military installations, world-class fisheries that feed millions, and a tourism industry that draws visitors from every corner of the globe to see its glaciers and mountains.

Seward's Day is more than just a day off work; it is a tribute to the "Great Land" (the meaning of the Aleut word Alyeska). It honors the moment when the United States looked north and saw its future. Whether through a quiet day spent in the Alaskan wilderness or a community gathering in a coastal town, the holiday ensures that the bold vision of William H. Seward is never forgotten.

As 2026 approaches, Alaskans will once again look back at that 4:00 A.M. meeting in 1867 and celebrate the fact that they are part of the American story. From the fjords of the Southeast to the vast plains of the North Slope, Seward's Day remains a cornerstone of Alaskan pride.