Alaska’s Flag (State Song)

“Alaska’s Flag” is the official state song of Alaska. The words were written by Marie Drake in 1935 and set to music by Elinor Dusenbury in 1938. The Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1955, and it became the state song when Alaska entered the Union in 1959. The lyrics explain the symbolism of the Alaska state flag [1].

Origins

In 1926, Benny Benson, a student of Russian-Aleut and Swedish descent, designed the flag in an American Legion contest for schoolchildren, and the Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1927. Marie Drake, an employee of the Alaska Department of Education who became Territorial Assistant Commissioner of Education in 1934, wrote a poem in 1935 that echoed Benson’s explanation of his design. It first appeared on the cover of the October 1935 issue of the School Bulletin, which circulated throughout the territorial school system [1].

The Music

Elinor Dusenbury composed the melody. Her husband had commanded the Chilkoot Barracks at Haines, and she wrote the music out of homesickness after leaving Alaska. In the summer of 1938 she played the song for Drake on a piano at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau [1].

Adoption

The song was played unofficially and grew in popularity over the next two decades. The Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1955, and it became the official state song when Alaska entered the Union in 1959 [1].

A Second Verse

Carol Beery Davis later wrote a second verse, which she gave to the University of Alaska Foundation in 1987. It has never been added to the official lyrics, despite several proposals [1].

Related Symbols

The flag it celebrates is described in the entry on the Alaska state flag. The state’s motto, “North to the Future,” was adopted in 1967 [2].

FAQs

What is Alaska’s state song? “Alaska’s Flag.”

Who wrote Alaska’s Flag? Marie Drake wrote the poem in 1935 and Elinor Dusenbury composed the music in 1938.

When was it adopted? By the Territorial Legislature in 1955 and as the state song in 1959.

What is the song about? The symbolism of the Alaska state flag.

Is there a second verse? Carol Beery Davis wrote one in 1987, but it was never made official.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Alaska’s Flag
2. Wikipedia: List of Alaska state symbols

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