Department of Alaska, Former governmental territory in Alaska, United States
The Department of Alaska was an administrative region that existed from 1867 to 1884 under the control of different US authorities. During this period, the territory was managed first by the Army, then by the Treasury Department, and finally by the Navy again.
After purchasing the territory from Russia in 1867, the United States established this administrative region. The area was dissolved in 1884 and replaced by the District of Alaska.
The establishment of the Department marked a transition from Russian to American administration, affecting local governance and social structures.
The administrative center was located in Sitka, where military officers oversaw territorial affairs. This location serves as a key reference point for understanding this early period of American administration.
During the 1867 transfer ceremony, a Russian soldier accidentally tore the Russian flag while lowering it for the last time. This unplanned moment marked the symbolic end of Russian rule in the territory.
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