On January 3, 1959, Alaska was officially admitted as the 49th state of the United States, concluding a long journey from purchased territory to full statehood.
On January 3, 1959, the United States reached a major milestone when the territory of Alaska was officially admitted into the Union as the 49th state. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation recognizing statehood, completing decades of effort by Alaskan leaders and residents to gain full membership in the nation.
Alaska’s path to statehood was a long one. The territory was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million and was initially viewed skeptically by many Americans. Over time, Alaskans established a territorial government and demonstrated political maturity, highlighted by the creation of a state constitution in the 1950s.
In 1958, Congress passed the Alaska Statehood Act, setting the stage for full admission, and voters approved statehood in a referendum later that year. With procedural requirements met, Alaska was ready to join the Union at the start of 1959.
When Alaska’s admission became official on January 3, citizens marked the occasion with pride. A new chapter began for the vast territory known for its rugged wilderness, rich natural resources, and strategic importance during the Cold War era. January 3 is now honored each year as Alaska Statehood Day, a celebration of the state’s entry into the Union and its impact on the nation.
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