49 star flag

[Sherman86]

Let me tell you a matter of fact, On January 3rd,1959 Alaska was formally granted statehood placing the 49th star on our Flag.Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.

The first 49-star flag was made in the Army Quartermaster Depot at Philadelphia, and was used in the White House ceremony when President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) signed the proclamation admitting Alaska to the Union. Subsequently, this flag was carried to Philadelphia by Senator Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania, who gave it to the mayor of Philadelphia to raise over Independence Hall on July 4th, 1959. After these ceremonies Scott gave the flag to his colleague, Senator Earnest Gruening of Alaska, who, in turn, delivered it to Governor William A. Eagan to be flown over the state capitol at Juneau. This flag was later given to the Alaskan State Mueseum for preservation.

The 49-Star flag was official for only one year, until July 4, 1960, when Hawaii achieved its Statehood and the 50-Star flag was born. President Eisenhower was the only President to serve under this flag.

[csaanv]

Photo of the event.

flag_49_ike_small.jpg

[polarman]

thats a fact alright one that most have forgotten also Eisenhower was the only president in the history of the oval office that had three flags in one adminastration the 48,49,50. i know this because i own the last 48 oval office flag to fly before the 49 oval office flag took it's place i also have that flag in my collection of presidential flags. my father-in-law was involed in the QMC flag mission in dc during the time of Eisenhower. i am putting together a book about this time in history and my 48 and 49 star oval office flags will be on display at the QMC museum later next year.