Alaska Map, Getty Images, 2017

In 1867, one of the great diplomatic and public debates facing the United States was the Alaskan Purchase, or "Seward's Folly."  Secretary of State, William H. Seward bought Alaska from Russia.  Many Americans thought the purchase was a waste of money and resources because of the harsh landscape.  In the years following, many additional resources such as gold and oil have been found, proving the Alaskan purchase worthwhile and greatly impacting the inhabitants.