Blue field with golden Big Dipper and North Star.
Ratio: 2:3
Eight golden stars on deep blue, seven for the Big Dipper, the eighth a larger North Star. The flag was designed by a schoolboy, Benny Benson, and perfectly captures Alaska’s place: guided by the northern lights and constellations, vast and remote.
Flag Symbolism & Meaning
Big Dipper
Symbol of strength and part of the Ursa Major constellation.
North Star
Represents Alaska’s northern location and future as a state.
blue field
Represents the sky and Forget-me-not, the state flower.
Historical Timeline
Territorial flag adopted after design contest.
Alaska admitted as 49th state; flag retained.
Fascinating Facts
Designed by 13-year-old Benny Benson.
Flag is one of the simplest yet most symbolic U.S. state flags.
For Students & Teachers
Key Learning Points (4-12)
Recognize the Big Dipper and North Star.
Explain contest origins and designer’s story.
State Information
- Population
- 733,391
- Area
- 663,268
- Founded
- 1959-01-03
- Region
- West