Alaska State Flag

The flag of Alaska consists of eight gold stars on a dark blue field: seven stars form the Big Dipper and a larger eighth star represents Polaris, the North Star. It was designed by Benny Benson, a young Alaska Native student at the Jesse Lee Home for Children in Seward, who won a 1927 territorial contest among about 700 entries. The Alaska Legislature adopted it as the territorial flag on May 2, 1927, and it became the state flag when Alaska joined the Union on January 3, 1959 [1][2].

The 1927 Contest

In 1927 the Alaska Department of the American Legion held a territorial contest for Alaskan students in grades 7 through 12. Roughly 700 entries were submitted, and Benny Benson’s design was chosen. He received a $1,000 scholarship and an engraved watch [1]. The song “Alaska’s Flag” describes him as a student of Russian-Aleut and Swedish descent who designed the flag in an American Legion contest for schoolchildren, and notes that the Territorial Legislature praised its simplicity, originality and symbolism [2].

Adoption

The Alaska Legislature adopted the design as the territory’s flag on May 2, 1927. The first flag was made of blue silk with appliquéd gold stars. It became the state flag at statehood on January 3, 1959, 32 years after the contest [1].

Design

The flag has eight gold stars on a dark blue field. Seven form the Big Dipper in Ursa Major, and the larger eighth star is Polaris, the North Star. The Big Dipper’s “Pointers” direct viewers to Polaris, which helps locate true north [1].

Colors and Proportions

The colors are navy (#0F204B) and gold (#FFB612), and the standard proportion is 125:177 [1].

Symbolism

Blue represents the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not flower. Gold stands for the mineral wealth hidden in Alaska’s hills and streams. The Big Dipper stands for the Great Bear, which Benson associated with strength, and the North Star represents Alaska’s future statehood as the most northerly state in the Union [1].

The State Song

Marie Drake’s 1935 poem echoed Benson’s explanation of his design, and Elinor Dusenbury set it to music in 1938. It became the state song when Alaska entered the Union [2]. See the entry on the state song.

Recognition

A 2001 North American Vexillological Association survey ranked the flag fifth in design quality among 72 Canadian provincial, U.S. state and U.S. territory flags [1].

FAQs

Who designed the Alaska flag? Benny Benson, a student at the Jesse Lee Home for Children in Seward, in 1927.

What do the stars on the Alaska flag mean? Seven stars form the Big Dipper, representing the Great Bear and strength; the eighth is Polaris, the North Star.

When was the flag adopted? As the territorial flag on May 2, 1927, and as the state flag at statehood on January 3, 1959.

What colors does the Alaska flag have? Navy blue and gold.

How was the flag ranked in 2001? Fifth among 72 flags in a North American Vexillological Association survey.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Flag of Alaska
2. Wikipedia: Alaska’s Flag

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue