Watch The Big Picture - Alaska -- The Outpost State

Experience the American Journey through our country's visual heritage in this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. From the U.S. Army's "The Big Picture" television series, 1950-1975. When Alaska was acquired by Secretary of State Seward almost a century ago for seven million dollars, it was promptly dubbed "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox." Even up to the present day, many Americans consider their newest sister state as a barren rock covered with crushing ice and constantly at sub-zero temperature. Alaska is a rugged land to be sure, but, as this week's THE BIG PICTURE points out, she will prove a valuable star in our nation's flag. An area one-fifth the size of the continental United States, it boasts of modern cities, progressive schools, rich mineral and game resources and booming industries that have already returned our original purchasing price many times over. THE BIG PICTURE highlights Alaska's colorful early years of the Klondike Gold Rush, through its repulsion of a Japanese invasion during World War II, up to its admittance to statehood. The film presentation then defines Alaska's strategic value in military affairs which in recent years has grown to vital importance to national defense. With its original owner, Russia, just fifty-six miles from Alaska's border, it can truly be called the "Guardian of our Norther Frontier" and America's "Outpost State."

This historical recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material.

The content summary for this video is adapted from an historical description provided by the government agency or donor at the time of production release.