What happened to Benny Benson?
Benson had several stepchildren and grandchildren. He died of a heart attack in Kodiak, Alaska, on July 2 of that year, at the age of 58 years old.
Which States flag was designed by a 13-year-old boy?
Alaskan
The following year the Alaskan legislature approved the winning design, which remained unchanged when the territory became a state in 1959. The creator of the flag was Benny Benson, a 13-year-old boy living in an orphanage. He chose straightforward symbols that struck a chord with Alaskans of all ages and backgrounds.
How did Benny find out about the contest to create Alaska’s flag?
Benny Benson lived with his brother Carl at the Jesse Lee Home in Seward and was in seventh grade. He heard about the contest and thought about it that night as he gazed out the window at the stars of the Big Dipper.
How old was the designer of the Alaska flag?
13-year-old
In its journey to statehood, the Alaska Department of the American Legion held a 1927 flag design contest for children across Alaska, grades 7-12. The chosen flag was designed by 13-year-old Benny Benson who lived at Jesse Lee Mission Home in Seward, a home for displaced children.
What do the stars on Alaska’s flag mean?
“The blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaska flower. The North Star is for the future of the state of Alaska, the most northerly in the Union. The dipper is for the Great Bear – symbolizing strenth (sic).” The flag was flown for the first time on July 9, 1927.
Who lived in Alaska before became a state?
Interesting Facts. Russia controlled most of the area that is now Alaska from the late 1700s until 1867, when it was purchased by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward for $7.2 million, or about two cents an acre. During World War II, the Japanese occupied two Alaskan islands, Attu and Kiska, for 15 months.
When was Benny Benson born?
October 12, 1913
Benny Benson/Date of birth
Benny Benson was born in Chignik, a small village on the south shore of the Alaska Peninsula on October 12, 1913.
Why are there 8 stars on the Alaska flag?
The blue field represents the sky, the sea, and mountain lakes, as well as Alaska’s wildflowers. Emblazoned on the flag are eight gold stars: seven from the constellation Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. The eighth being the North Star, representing the northernmost state.