On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States of America. Originally a Russian possession in North America, Alaska was purchased by the US government through negotiations between the Russian government and US Secretary of State William H. Seward in 1867. The purchase of the Alaska for $7.2 million was viewed by many in the United States as a disastrous mistake and waste of money due to Alaska's remote location, cold climate, and the perception that there was little of value to be found there. However, the discover of gold near the end of 19th century and the discovery of oil in the 1960s would change these opinions. Alaska has also proven a strategically important location for the US during World War II, allowing the United States to secure the northern Pacific Ocean and serving as a connection to provide Lend-Lease equipment to the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, Alaska was also on the front lines between the United States and the Soviet Union and acted as the part of the first line of defense, hosting US military bases and early warning systems. Today, Alaska remains a major part of America's national defense and a major player in the American energy industry as a major supplier of oil in the United States.