The Story of the Alaska State Flag
The Alaska state flag is a symbol with an interesting history. It was designed by a young boy named Benny Benson in 1927. He was just 13 years old when he entered a contest to design the flag. His design stood out because of its simplicity and meaning.
The Design of the Alaska Flag
The Alaska flag has a dark blue background. On the blue field, there are eight golden stars. These stars form the Big Dipper and the North Star. The Big Dipper is part of the constellation known as Ursa Major or the Great Bear. This constellation is easily visible in the Alaskan sky.
Benny Benson chose the North Star to represent Alaska because it symbolizes the state’s far north location. The Big Dipper represents strength, which is a fitting symbol for the people and wildlife of Alaska.
Why Is the Alaska Flag Special?
The Alaska flag is special because it wasn’t created by adults or experts, but by a child. Benny Benson’s design was chosen from hundreds of entries. His inspiration came from the clear night skies he often saw in Alaska. His simple yet powerful design has remained the official flag of Alaska ever since 1959, when Alaska became a state.
Who Was Benny Benson?
Benny Benson was born in a small town in Alaska. He was an orphan living at a school when he entered the contest to design the flag. Even though Benny was young, his vision for the flag has become a lasting symbol of the state’s identity. In return for winning the contest, he received a gold watch and $1,000. The flag he designed has flown over Alaska ever since.
What Can We Learn From the Alaska Flag?
The Alaska flag teaches us that simple designs can hold great meaning. Benny Benson used just two elements—stars and a blue background—to create something that represents the state beautifully. His story also reminds us that young people can make a big difference. Even if you’re small, your ideas can be powerful and lasting.
Fun Facts About the Alaska Flag
- Benny Benson’s flag design was chosen out of 700 submissions.
- Alaska didn’t officially become a state until 1959, but the flag was created much earlier, in 1927.
- The North Star on the flag represents Alaska as the northernmost state in the U.S.
Benny Benson’s legacy lives on every time the Alaska flag flies. His design is simple, meaningful, and a perfect representation of Alaska’s beauty.