Alaska State Flag

Date adopted: May 2, 1927

The state flag of Alaska is a striking emblem featuring a dark blue field adorned with eight gold stars arranged to depict the Big Dipper and Polaris, the North Star. This celestial arrangement carries significant symbolism as the Big Dipper, which is part of the Ursa Major constellation, symbolizes the bear, a creature native to Alaska. The stars themselves serve as a practical guide for navigation, helping novices find Polaris and determine true north. The flag's design was crafted by Benny Benson, a 14-year-old orphan from Seward, who won a contest held in 1927 to design the future flag of the Territory of Alaska. Benny's choice of symbols was deeply rooted in his nightly sky observations, where he found inspiration in the constellation, the Alaska sky, the forget-me-not flower, and the North Star, all representing the state's unique identity. His design was selected from nearly 700 submissions and celebrated with a prize of $1,000 and an engraved watch. Today, the Alaska flag is a proud symbol of the state's heritage, guided by official regulations outlined in the Alaska Statutes, detailing its colors, meaning, and proper handling.