How many million acres were acquired through the Gadsden Purchase in 1854?

The Gadsden Purchase, completed in 1854, involved the acquisition of approximately 29,670 square miles of land, which translates to about 19 million acres. This territory is located primarily in present-day southern Arizona and a portion of New Mexico and was purchased from Mexico to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad. The purchase was significant not only for its size but also for its role in furthering U.S. territorial expansion and fulfilling the concept of Manifest Destiny during that era.

While options stating 10 million, 30 million, and 25 million acres may seem plausible at first glance, they significantly overestimate or underestimate the actual land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase. The correct figure of approximately 19 million acres reflects historical documentation and is an important aspect of U.S. history related to territorial growth.