Alaska Admitted to the Union
Alaska, once known as Russian America and often referred to as "Seward's folly," became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959. This vast territory, more than twice the size of Texas, was recognized for its potential wealth after being acquired from Russia in 1867. Despite its geographical remoteness and the historical neglect from both Russian and American governments, Alaska pursued statehood for decades. Efforts began as early as 1916, with numerous proposals aimed at enhancing local governance and addressing the unique needs of Alaskans. These discussions intensified in the post-World War II era, leading to the establishment of a constitutional convention in 1956, where a draft constitution was approved by the populace. The statehood bill received strong support in Congress, culminating in a decisive Senate vote in favor of admission in June 1958. On July 7, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the statehood bill, and Alaska’s official admission was marked by the addition of a 49th star to the U.S. flag, which was set to become official on July 4, 1959. However, this flag became obsolete just one year later when Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state.
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Alaska Admitted to the Union
Alaska Admitted to the Union
Alaska, the region once known as Russian America and then derisively tagged as “Seward's folly” before its riches were glimpsed, became a state on January 3, 1959. More than twice the size of Texas, which had long enjoyed its rank as the nation's largest state, the country's new giant and northernmost outpost was the 49th state to be admitted to the Union.
The region, long a stepchild of absentee governments (first of Russia and then of the United States, which purchased it in 1867), was hampered in its development by the remoteness of those who controlled it even after it achieved territorial status in 1912. It was difficult for the Congress in Washington to keep in the forefront of its collective mind the day-to-day realities of survival in Alaska.
In 1916, when the first bill for statehood was introduced; in the 27 succeeding years when emphasis shifted to attempts to strengthen Alaska's territorial government; and after 1943, when a bill for statehood was again presented to Congress, there were attempts to form a government more responsive to local needs. The idea of statehood, which Congress debated exhaustively in 1950, was kept alive throughout the following decade.
In 1956, a constitutional convention was called by Alaska's territorial legislature. The resulting draft constitution was approved by a vote of the populace in April 1956. Statehood followed after another period of long discussion between proponents, who favored local control, and opponents, who thought that higher taxes or loss of federal subsidies might result. Finally, after the U.S. Senate gave an overwhelming 64 to 20 vote in favor of admission on June 30, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Alaskan statehood bill on July 7, and it was declared that he would release a formal proclamation announcing Alaska's admission sometime during the next year. The official recognition of Alaskan statehood came with Eisenhower's declaration of January 3, 1959. This declaration was immediately followed by an executive order directing the addition of a 49th star to a new U.S. flag that was to become official on Independence Day, July 4, 1959. But the new 49-star flag had already become obsolete by July 4, 1960, for by then Hawaii had been admitted as the nation's 50th state.