Educator Resources

Migration North to Alaska

The Cancelled Check and Receipt

The first settlers to Alaska migrated from Asia thousands of years ago across a land bridge that existed where the Bering Strait is located today. The Russians claimed Alaska from the late 1700s until 1867, when the United States and Russia signed this treaty. It resulted in Alaska's transfer to a territory of the United States.

The check was issued August 1, 1868, and made payable to the Russian Minister to the United States, Edouard de Stoeckl. The receipt indicates that de Stoeckel accepted full payment on behalf of the Emperor of Russia at the U.S. Treasury Department, Washington, DC.

   Red Question Mark  Can you think of other land purchase treaties that prompted migration?  

The Documents

Alaska Purchase Canceled Check
Alaska Purchase Cancelled Check
Click to Enlarge

View Back of Check

National Archives and Records Administration
Settled Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts
Records of the Accounting Officers
of the Department of the Treasury
Record Group 217

 

Alaska Purchase Receipt
Alaska Purchase Receipt
Click to Enlarge

National Archives and Records Administration
Warrants
Records of the Accounting Officers
of the Department of the Treasury
Record Group 217

 


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