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In 1867 the United States of America purchased Alaska from Russia. The history of Russian involvement on the American mainland dates back to the arrival of trappers, who came as far south as California looking for sea otter. But the key explorer of the gap between Asia and the Americas was a Dane - Vitus Bering. He led two of the greatest explorations in history before dying of scurvy on what was later called Bering Island. This is his story. With contributions from Merete Boge Pedersen from Bering's Danish hometown of Horsens. The presenter is Joe Queenan. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.