Seward’s Day is a legal holiday in the state of Alaska on the last Monday in March, and marks the signing of the Alaska Purchase treaty on March 30, 1867. The holiday is named after William H. Seward, the then-Secretary of State, who negotiated the purchase from Russia for $7M. Seward’s Day is a paid holiday for all state employees. All state, county and city government offices will close, along with most schools and libraries. Private businesses can close at their discretion.