The Alaska Purchase Centennial in 1967 marked 100 years since the United States bought Alaska from Russia. Celebrations were held across the state, and the main event was the Alaska 67 Centennial Exposition at Fairbanks [1][2].
| Year | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Marked | Centennial of the 1867 purchase of Alaska |
| Main event | Alaska 67 Centennial Exposition, Fairbanks |
| Slogan | Look North to the Future |
Background
Herbert H. Rasche, a geographer with the U.S. Army Arctic Test Center, wrote in the journal Arctic that the treaty of cession was signed on March 30, 1867 by Baron Stoeckl and William H. Seward, and formal transfer ceremonies were held at Sitka on October 28, 1867. The price was $7,200,000, or about two cents an acre, and the House of Representatives voted the money on July 14, 1868 [1].
Alaska 67 Exposition
The Alaska 67 Centennial Exposition was held at Fairbanks and combined historical exhibits on earlier days with modern exhibits on Alaska economic, scientific, and cultural progress [1]. KUAC reported that Pioneer Park in Fairbanks was built to host a three-month exhibition in 1967 celebrating the 100th anniversary of the purchase, and that it has endured as a tourist attraction and community resource [2].
Statewide celebrations
Many celebrations were held throughout the state. Several cities built permanent exhibition halls and community centres, which were first used during the Centennial, and liberal stop-over privileges for international travellers were introduced for the Centennial and continued afterward. The Centennial slogan was Look North to the Future, and total federal and state spending greatly exceeded the purchase price [1]. The State of Alaska says the state motto, North to the Future, was adopted in 1967 during the Centennial [3].
FAQs
What did the 1967 Centennial mark? The 100th anniversary of the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia [1].
Where was the main exposition? At Fairbanks, the Alaska 67 Centennial Exposition [1][2].
What remains from it? Pioneer Park in Fairbanks was built for the 1967 exhibition and is still used [2].
Sources
- Arctic (journal): Alaska Purchase Centennial: 1867-1967
- KUAC: Pioneer Park 50th
- State of Alaska: State Symbols (Alaska Kids)
Key facts
- Purchase price $7,200,000
- Pioneer Park built for the 1967 exhibition
Quick checkWhat was the Alaska Purchase Centennial?Show answer
A 1967 statewide celebration of 100 years since the U.S. bought Alaska, with the Alaska 67 Exposition in Fairbanks.
Sources
- Arctic (journal). Alaska Purchase Centennial: 1867-1967 (accessed 2026-11-14)
- KUAC. Pioneer Park 50th. 2017 (accessed 2026-11-14)
- State of Alaska. State Symbols (Alaska Kids) (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue