How Much Do You Know About Alaska Day? Quiz
Are you ready to test your knowledge of Alaska’s rich history? Our Alaska Day quiz takes you on a journey through the state's past, celebrating the momentous occasion of its transfer from Russia to the United States. From key historical figures to fascinating facts about this northernmost state, this quiz will challenge even the most avid history buffs!
Think you know everything about this important holiday? Take on our Alaska Day trivia challenge and see if you can answer questions about the significance of this day. No matter if you're a proud Alaskan or just love American history, this fun and Read moreengaging quiz will put your knowledge to the test.
Alaska Day Questions and Answers
- 1.
When is Alaska Day observed?
- A.
March 30
- B.
July 4
- C.
October 18
- D.
December 25
Correct Answer
C. October 18Explanation
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, through a treaty negotiated by Secretary of State William H. Seward. The purchase, often called "Seward's Folly" at the time, cost $7.2 million, which was considered a large sum for what was then seen as a remote and frozen land. However, Alaska turned out to be rich in natural resources, including gold, oil, and timber, making it one of the most valuable acquisitions in U.S. history. The formal transfer occurred months later, on October 18, 1867.Rate this question:
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- 2.
From which country did the United States purchase Alaska?
- A.
Canada
- B.
Russia
- C.
France
- D.
Mexico
Correct Answer
B. RussiaExplanation
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a price that equates to about 2 cents per acre. At the time, many Americans criticized the purchase, believing it was a waste of money, but it turned out to be an incredible bargain. Over time, Alaska proved to be rich in gold, oil, and other natural resources, leading to economic growth and prosperity. Adjusted for inflation, $7.2 million would be worth approximately $129 million in 2023, though the land’s true value far exceeds this amount.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How much did the United States pay for Alaska?
- A.
$7.2 million
- B.
$15 million
- C.
$7.2 billion
- D.
$72 million
Correct Answer
A. $7.2 millionExplanation
The official transfer of Alaska took place in Sitka, which was the capital of Russian America at the time. The ceremony was held at Fort Sitka, where the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised in the presence of dignitaries, Russian and American officials, and 250 U.S. Army troops. Sitka remained the capital of Alaska until 1906, when the government moved to Juneau. Today, Sitka continues to honor its historical significance with celebrations on Alaska Day, featuring parades, reenactments, and cultural events.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where did the formal flag-raising ceremony take place?
- A.
Anchorage
- B.
Sitka
- C.
Juneau
- D.
Fairbanks
Correct Answer
B. SitkaExplanation
The United States Army played a significant role in the Alaska transfer ceremony, with 250 soldiers marching to the governor’s house at "Castle Hill" in Sitka. As part of the proceedings, they raised the American flag, officially marking Alaska's transition to U.S. control. This moment was a defining event in the history of Alaska, signifying the end of Russian rule and the beginning of American governance. The presence of U.S. military personnel reinforced the legitimacy of the transfer and ensured a smooth transition of power.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which army troops participated in the flag-raising ceremony?
- A.
Navy
- B.
Marine
- C.
United States Army
- D.
Air Force
Correct Answer
C. United States ArmyExplanation
The United States Army played a significant role in the Alaska transfer ceremony, with 250 soldiers marching to the governor’s house at "Castle Hill" in Sitka. As part of the proceedings, they raised the American flag, officially marking Alaska's transition to U.S. control. This moment was a defining event in the history of Alaska, signifying the end of Russian rule and the beginning of American governance. The presence of U.S. military personnel reinforced the legitimacy of the transfer and ensured a smooth transition of power.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who was the general in charge of the transfer ceremony?
- A.
General George Washington
- B.
General Lovell Rousseau
- C.
General Ulysses S. Grant
- D.
General Robert E. Lee
Correct Answer
B. General Lovell RousseauExplanation
General Lovell Rousseau was the U.S. representative in charge of overseeing the official transfer of Alaska from Russian control. He accepted the territory on behalf of the United States from Captain Alexei Pestchouroff, who represented the Russian Empire. The formalities took place at Fort Sitka, where the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised. This peaceful transfer signified the beginning of a new era for Alaska and set the stage for its eventual statehood, which would come over 90 years later in 1959.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who transferred the territory of Alaska to the United States?
- A.
Emperor of Japan
- B.
President of the United States
- C.
Captain Pestchouroff
- D.
Prime Minister of Canada
Correct Answer
C. Captain PestchouroffExplanation
Captain Alexei Pestchouroff, acting on behalf of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, formally transferred the Alaskan territory to the United States. In the official ceremony at Fort Sitka, he handed over control to General Lovell Rousseau, representing the U.S. government. The event was marked by a symbolic lowering of the Russian flag and the raising of the American flag. This transfer signified the end of Russian presence in Alaska and the beginning of American administration, which would later pave the way for Alaska’s statehood in 1959.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which ship fired the salute during the flag-raising ceremony?
- A.
USS Constitution
- B.
USS Ossipee
- C.
USS Alaska
- D.
USS Independence
Correct Answer
B. USS OssipeeExplanation
The USS Ossipee, a U.S. Navy vessel, played a ceremonial role in the transfer of Alaska by firing a salute during the flag-raising at Fort Sitka. As the American flag was raised, the ship fired its cannons in honor of the occasion, with the sound echoing off the nearby mountains. This moment symbolized the official handover of the territory from Russian to American control. The USS Ossipee was an active warship at the time, and its presence underscored the significance of the event in U.S. history.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What year did the formal transfer of Alaska take place?
- A.
1847
- B.
1867
- C.
1897
- D.
1907
Correct Answer
B. 1867Explanation
The formal transfer of Alaska occurred on October 18, 1867, following the signing of the purchase agreement on March 30, 1867. This transfer marked the beginning of American administration in Alaska, although it would take many years before the region became a state. At the time, many Americans viewed the acquisition as a poor investment, calling it "Seward’s Folly." However, the discovery of gold, oil, and other valuable resources in Alaska eventually proved its immense worth, making it one of the most significant land purchases in U.S. history.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which two flags were involved in the ceremony?
- A.
American and British
- B.
American and French
- C.
American and Russian
- D.
American and Canadian
Correct Answer
C. American and RussianExplanation
The transfer of Alaska was symbolized by the lowering of the Russian flag and the raising of the American flag at Fort Sitka. This act officially marked the handover of the territory from Russia to the United States. Witnessed by Russian officials, American military personnel, and local residents, the event was an important moment in history. While the purchase was initially met with skepticism, it ultimately proved to be a valuable acquisition, with Alaska later becoming the 49th U.S. state in 1959. The ceremony is still commemorated every year on Alaska Day.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 04, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 24, 2025Quiz Created by
Anam Khan
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