Alaskan Purchase, 1867

On March 30, 1867, the United States reached an agreement to purchase Alaska from Russia. On this map of the lands, an Eskimo hunts in a kayak; nearby seal and walrus represent the fur trade as well as the subsistence of the indigenous people. On the map are various towns that were important in drawing people to Alaska.

About the Cox Corridors Murals

The first floor of the U.S. Capitol's House wing is elaborately decorated with wall and ceiling murals by artist Allyn Cox. The western north-south corridor, called the Westward Expansion corridor, includes maps and scenes showing the growth of the United States from early exploration through the acquisition of Alaska and Hawaii.