In a formal ceremony in Sitka, the United States takes control of Alaska from the Russian Empire. Secretary of State William Seward negotiated the purchase for $7,200,000.
Renowned American guitarist Chuck Berry is born in St. Louis. Berry is famous for fusing rhythm and blues into modern rock and roll.
USSR receives American nuclear plans
German physicist Klaus Fuchs, who worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, begins disclosing nuclear research material to his Soviet contact, helping to end the American monopoly on nuclear weaponry. Fuchs would later confess to espionage and serve over a decade in a British prison.
We hope you enjoy our work.
Please support this magazine of trusted historical writing, now in its 75th year, and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.
