U.S. GOVERNMENT | A resilient balance of institutions
02 January 2009
Alaskans Celebrate 50 Years of Statehood
Political activism paved way for 49th state
Washington — When U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward engineered the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, people called the decision “Seward’s Folly.” Few could understand why the United States would want 1,517,000 square kilometers (586,000 square miles) of cold, barren land.
Little did Americans know that this land, hundreds of miles north of the continental United States, was rich in natural resources and later would become the 49th state. Alaska celebrates the 50th anniversary of statehood January 3.
There will be many celebratory activities honoring the state’s birthday, including musical performances, fireworks and other entertainment. In the state’s largest city, Anchorage, more than 2,000 are expected to attend an anniversary gala. The U.S. Postal Service will issue a special stamp commemorating the day.
There will be more serious markings of the day as well. Some of the state’s oldest residents will recount their stories of the movement for statehood. Alaska’s governor, Sarah Palin, will give a speech at one of the anniversary events.
POLITICAL ACTIVISM PAVED THE WAY TO STATEHOOD
The United States purchased Alaska, then referred to as “Russian America,” from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million. The territory initially was managed by the U.S. Army and later the U.S. Navy.
Some questioned the value of Alaska, but that changed when gold was discovered there in 1880. Over the next 20 years, thousands came in search of riches, helping found new towns, including what would become the state’s capital, Juneau.
Alaska soon was recognized as rich in other resources also, as fishing, mining and timber became big industries. Today, these and oil industries are major contributors to the state’s economy.
In 1884, President Chester Arthur signed the Organic Act, which established some of the first governing authorities in Alaska. A governor, a district attorney and several judges were appointed to the region.
In the years that followed, Alaskans sought more representation, and in 1906 they were granted a nonvoting representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alaskans’ activism helped pave the way for the Second Organic Act in 1912, this time establishing a territorial government and legislature. The act also made Alaska an official territory of the United States.
The first bill on Alaska statehood was introduced in Congress in 1916. Despite Alaskans’ support of the measure by a two-to-one margin, the bill died.
Alaska’s relationship with the United States changed dramatically during World War II. As the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it became clear that Alaska could be an important base for the Pacific war. Soon after the Pearl Harbor bombing, the Japanese invaded Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
In early 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved plans to build a military supply route through the Alaskan territory, bringing a major road to the state within months.
The war and the military supply route changed Alaska. With just 500 military officials in the territory in 1940, there were more than 120,000 troops stationed there by 1943. With them came more civilians, helping the state’s population nearly double in a decade. With the help of federal funds, the territory modernized its roads and railroads.
The war’s conclusion brought a renewed interest in statehood. Alaskans voted in favor of it in a 1946 referendum, and President Harry S. Truman even mentioned his support of it in his State of the Union address. Support for Alaska statehood was growing among those in the 48 states, as many saw the value of having Alaska for defense purposes.
Congress held hearings on Alaska statehood, but the Korean War diverted attention from the issue. A bill in favor of statehood passed the House in 1950, but died in the Senate.
Although Congress had failed to act, Alaskans continued their efforts. In 1955, the Alaska Legislature held a constitutional convention, drafting and ratifying a state constitution designed to pave the way for statehood.
In 1956, the territory sent two nonvoting senators to Congress, along with their representative, who lobbied Washington officials on statehood. Ordinary Alaskans lobbied as well, sending letters to their friends in the United States, asking them to speak to their members of Congress about Alaskan statehood. Members of the “Operation Statehood” movement — designed to bring publicity to the issue — flooded the White House with telegrams. Some members flew to Washington and met personally with President Eisenhower.
“WE’RE IN”
The banner headline in the July 1, 1958, Anchorage Times newspaper may have been short — “We’re In” — but a 6.5-inch-tall headline needed no explanation. It meant that after more than a decade of efforts, Alaska was on its way to becoming a state.
The day before, the U.S. Senate voted 64-20 in favor of statehood, clearing the way for Alaska to enter the union. The House of Representatives had approved the measure a month before and President Eisenhower had already expressed his support for statehood. Crowds gathered in the streets to celebrate.
Alaska’s voters ratified a measure for statehood that August by a five-to-one margin. The ratification brought the largest voter turnout in the territory’s history. President Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Alaska to the union on January 3, 1959, making it the first noncontiguous U.S. state.
More than 140 years after “Seward’s Folly,” thousands of tourists continue to flock to the 49th state, eager to enjoy Alaska’s outdoor offerings. Among the thousands who are expected to celebrate Alaska’s birthday are many tourists.
