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Alaska Constitutional Convention (1955–1956)

The University of Alaska Fairbanks, site of the convention
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cornerstone_Plaza_at_the_University_of_Alaska_Fairbanks.jpg)

Government & Politicsalso Alaska Constitution convention, Constitution Hall

In one line

The Alaska Constitutional Convention of 1955–56 drafted the state constitution at the University of Alaska in 75 days.

The Alaska Constitutional Convention was the 1955–1956 gathering of 55 elected delegates at the University of Alaska in College, near Fairbanks, that drafted the constitution of the future state of Alaska. Meeting from November 8, 1955, delegates adopted the document on February 5, 1956, after 75 days, and territorial voters ratified it on April 24, 1956 [1][2].

The University of Alaska Fairbanks, site of the convention
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, site of the convention. Photo: Quintin Soloviev / CC BY 4.0.
ConvenedNovember 8, 1955
AdoptedFebruary 5, 1956 (75 days)
Delegates55 (49 men and 6 women)
LocationUniversity of Alaska, College, near Fairbanks
RatifiedApril 24, 1956
In effectJanuary 3, 1959

Background

In January 1955 the territorial legislature called for a constitutional convention as part of the statehood effort [2]. See the entry on the Alaska statehood movement.

The Delegates

The convention had 55 elected delegates: 49 men and six women. Frank Peratrovich was the only Alaska Native delegate. William A. Egan, then a territorial senator, led the convention and later became the state’s first governor [1].

The Convention

Delegates convened on November 8, 1955, in the new student union building at the University of Alaska, later named Constitution Hall. Governor Ernest Gruening gave the keynote address [1][2]. They adopted the constitution on February 5, 1956, after 75 days in session, and the signing on February 6 was moved to the university’s gymnasium and library building, later renamed Signers’ Hall [1].

Design of the Constitution

The document is short and broadly worded, about half the average state constitution’s length, and leaves detailed rules to the legislature. It created a bicameral legislature of 20 senators and 40 representatives, a strong governor, a unified court system, a borough-based local government system and a public-trust approach to natural resources [1]. See the entries on the Alaska Constitution and the Alaska Legislature.

Ratification

Territorial voters ratified the constitution in April 1956 by 17,447 to 8,180. They approved the Alaska-Tennessee Plan for a shadow congressional delegation by 15,011 to 9,556 and a ban on fish traps by 21,285 to 4,004 [1].

Taking Effect

The constitution took effect on January 3, 1959, with Alaska’s admission as a state. As of 2006, 28 amendments had passed and 12 had been rejected by voters [1].

FAQs

When was the Alaska Constitutional Convention? November 8, 1955, to February 5, 1956.

Where was it held? At the University of Alaska in College, near Fairbanks.

How many delegates were there? 55: 49 men and six women.

When did voters ratify the constitution? April 24, 1956.

When did the constitution take effect? January 3, 1959.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Alaska Constitution
  2. EBSCO Research Starters: Alaska statehood

More in Government & Politics

Key facts

  • Convened Nov 8, 19551
  • Adopted Feb 5, 19561
  • Ratified Apr 24, 19561
  • In effect Jan 3, 19591
Quick checkHow many delegates attended the Alaska Constitutional Convention?Show answer

55

Sources

  1. Wikipedia. Alaska Constitution. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
  2. EBSCO Research Starters. Alaska statehood. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)

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