Why did journalists call the Alaska purchase of 1867 settlements fully?

Journalists referred to the Alaska purchase of 1867 as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox" because they viewed the acquisition as a costly mistake, given the territory's perceived barrenness and lack of immediate value. Many critics believed that the vast, frozen land was not worth the $7.2 million price tag. However, over time, Alaska proved to be rich in Natural Resources, including oil and gold, ultimately validating the purchase and shifting public perception.