Have you ever looked at Alaska and wondered why it extends down the coast, cutting part of Canada off from the Pacific Ocean? Did Alaska oblige the Canadians by taking its coast, just like eating someone’s unwanted sandwich crust?
Maybe you did not ask these questions until now, which is understandable… come to think of it, I didn’t even ask these questions until now, either!
Why does Alaska have a panhandle?
Several decades before the United States declared independence, Russia sailed to Alaska and began exploring the area. Russia claimed the Alaskan territory as its own. Years later, the Russian territory of Alaska and the English territory of Canada were starting to encroach on each other. Russia and England’s borders were conflicting and a dispute began between the two nations over their boundaries.
Approximately a century after the Russian discovery of Alaska, The Russians and British signed the Treaty of Saint Petersburg of 1825 which settled the border dispute in Alaska. Finally, this long dispute was over! However, the treaty did not clearly define the border around Alaska’s panhandle, causing further confusion and frustration. This dispute was not over yet.
A couple years after the end of the Civil War, America purchased Alaska from the Russians for $7,200,000, which is about $136,800,000 in 2022. Along with the vast expanses of land, resources, and opportunities, the United States inherited the border dispute with England. Of course!
Thankfully this dispute was settled, again, when England agreed to a border that favored America, compromising the interests of Canada for better relations with the United States. England, this is why nations have trust issues with you.
While writing this post, I realized an interesting fact. Alaska is the only state, aside from Minnesota, above the 49th parallel. Alaska is also the 49th state. Coincidence?
What do you think about Alaska’s panhandle? Does Alaska like sandwich crusts?
Onward American 🇺🇸
Note: All jokes made in this and all other posts are intended for lighthearted humor and not intended to cause offense.
Onward American 