How much did the Louisiana Purchase cost the U.S. in 1803?

The United States paid 15 million dollars for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. France received 60 million francs ($11,250,000) and had 18 million francs ($3,750,000) in debts canceled as part of the deal to sell the territory of Louisiana to the United States. If the same purchase were made today, it would cost the United States $211,700,000 for the 800,000 square miles that include most of what is now referred to as the Midwest and the Mississippi River Valley.

Thomas Jefferson was the President of the United States at the time of the purchase. During the time of the purchase, there was fierce opposition against it with some of the opponents claiming such a purchase was unconstitutional. Despite the opposition, Jefferson made the purchase so that France and Spain wouldn't have the ability or power to block American trade via the port of New Orleans.

TheLouisiana Purchase Treaty was officially signed in Paris, France on Saturday, April 30, 1803. Jefferson announced the news of the purchase to the American people on July 4, 1803 and the U.S. Senate ratified the treaty 24-7 on October 20 of the same year. By ratifying the treaty, the senate gave Jefferson power to take possession of the territory and temporarily establish a military government in order to maintain order during the transition from French ownership to American ownership.