jan 1, 1867 - 1867 - William Seward's purchase of Alaska was wildly unpopular, becoming known as Seward's folly, but the executive power to annex land displayed in the Louisiana Purchase and Polk's aggression prior to the Mexican American war was once again used, and Alaska was purchased. Eventually, it was found to be rich in resources.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1867
Now
~ 158 years ago