Network TV Online
Network News Latest
Network News Video
Network Top Stories
Alaska News Videos
Alaska SuperViewer
ABC Alaska Obituaries
Email the ABC Alaska Newsroom
The CW in Alaska
ABC Alaska SuperWorks

"The Greatest Day In Alaska History"

Tools

"The Greatest Day In Alaska History"

Monday marked the 50th year since Congress voted on the Alaska Statehood Act. Photo courtesy the AP.

Jamey Kirk

50 years ago on June 30th, the U.S. Senate voted 64 to 20 in favor of Alaska statehood. In an interview with the Daily Alaska Empire, Congressional Delegate E.L. "Bob" Bartlett called it the greatest day in Alaska history.

The following week, on Monday, July 7, 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act into law.

Alaska officially joined the union, becoming the 49th state, on January 3, 1959.

Vic Fischer, a former territorial and state legislator and Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate, told the Juneau Empire that following the senate vote, celebrations began across the state.

Icon
Anchorage 67.0 °F
Icon
Fairbanks 66.0 °F
Icon
Juneau 78.0 °F
More Weather

weather2

Viewer Poll

Do You Agree With Sarah Palin's Decision to Resign as Governor?

  • Yes, she can benefit Alaska from outside the state
  • No, her work in Alaska was left unfinished
  • I'll wait to decide until she announces where she's going

Tonight on ABC

8.00
grey's anatomy
Vacation Rentals 411
Desperate Housewives
Ugly Betty
Brothers and Sisters