Alaska Flag

The flag of Alaska, USA, is a distinctive and widely admired state flag featuring a deep blue field upon which are arranged eight gold stars. The primary design is a constellation of seven smaller stars forming the shape of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), with a single, larger North Star positioned in the upper right canton. This simple yet powerful design was created in 1927 by a 13-year-old orphan named Benny Benson as part of a territory-wide contest.

Adopted as the official flag of the Territory of Alaska in 1927, it was retained upon statehood in 1959. The flag's striking contrast between the blue and gold, along with its clear celestial symbolism, makes it highly recognizable and effective from a distance. It is consistently ranked among the best-designed flags of U.S. states and territories by vexillologists for its strong adherence to design principles.

The flag's color scheme of blue and gold was later adopted as Alaska's official state colors. Its elegant design avoids text, seals, or complex imagery, relying instead on universal symbols of the northern sky. The flag's visual strength and meaningful symbolism have made it a source of immense pride for Alaskans.

The blue field represents the Alaskan sky, the state's forget-me-not flowers, and the surrounding sea. The gold stars symbolize the mineral wealth of the land, most notably gold, which played a pivotal role in Alaska's history. The central celestial imagery directly connects the flag to Alaska's unique northern geography and identity.

The constellation of the Big Dipper is a prominent and familiar feature in the northern hemisphere's night sky, representing strength and guidance. The larger North Star (Polaris) symbolizes Alaska's future as the northernmost state and serves as a constant guide, reflecting the state's motto, "North to the Future." Together, these stars on the blue field create a powerful emblem of Alaska's natural environment and aspirational spirit.

In 1926, the American Legion in Alaska, recognizing that the territory lacked an official flag, sponsored a contest open to all Alaskan children in grades 7-12. The winning design was submitted by 13-year-old Benny Benson, a student of Russian-Aleut and Swedish descent living at the Jesse Lee Home for Children in Seward. His design was selected from approximately 700 entries and was officially adopted by the Alaska Territorial Legislature on May 2, 1927.

For his achievement, Benny Benson received a $1,000 scholarship and an engraved watch. The flag he designed seamlessly transitioned from being the territorial flag to the official state flag when Alaska was admitted to the Union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959. Benson's original flag, sewn by his benefactors, is preserved in the Alaska State Museum.