Benny Benson was just a boy when he designed the Alaska State Flag. In early 1926, Territorial Governor George Parks was on a trip to Washington, D.C. when he saw the flags of the 48 states flying outside the old Post Office Building and he was convinced that Alaska needed a flag that would wave with the others.
At the urging of the Governor, the Alaska Department of the American Legion sponsored a territory-wide contest for Alaskan children in grades seven through twelve to design a 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.
John Ben "Benny" Benson, Jr. was 3 years old when his mother passed away when a terrible sickness ravaged their village of Chignik. Her name was Tatiana Schebolein and she was of Aleut-Russian descent. His father was John Ben Benson, Swedish-American, and he couldn't care for all three of the young children alone. Their sister was sent to Seattle and Benny and his brother Carl were sent to live in the Jesse Lee Home in Unalaska. They remained there with hundreds of displaced Aleut orphans until the home, and the children, relocated to Seward in 1925.
Benny's design for the flag was the constellation Ursa Major (Big Dipper and North Star) on a blue background. He painted the blue flag on another piece of construction paper and glued it to the final design.
A photo of Benny Benson is attached (probably after the design was submitted) to the upper right corner. The description reads: The blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaskan flower. The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly in the union. The Dipper is for the Great Bear, symbolising strenth [strength].
The iconic Alaskan photo of Benny Benson holding his flag. The first flag constructed based on Benny's design was made of blue silk and appliquéd gold stars. It was flown for the first time on July 9, 1927.
Benny won the contest with his entry from a pool of over 100 entries and was given $1000.00 to travel to Washington and present the flag to the President of the U.S. He was a unanimous winner by the panel of judges and by May of 1927, the flag design was unanimously adopted by the two houses of the territorial legislature. The trip to Washington never happened and the funds were instead set aside for his future education.
Benny Benson, Governor William Egan and Benny Benson's daughter Charlotte Benson pose for a photo with the Alaska flag in the 1950's.
Benny Benson began life in the tiny village of Chignik, moved to Unalaska, to Seward, to Seattle and then to Kodiak. Benny used his educational funds to attend Hemphill Diesel Engineering School in Seattle and returned to Alaska to become an airplane mechanic for Kodiak Airways. He passed away in 1972 as an honored Alaskan and was survived by many children, stepchildren and grandchildren.
This banner commemorates Benny Benson and his achievement and was hung at the Jesse Lee Home in Seward for many years.
The flag was dedicated on July 8, 1927, at the Jesse Lee Home, and it was there Benson received his first place watch.
When Alaska achieved statehood in 1959, Benny Benson’s territorial flag became the official state flag. There is a Benny Benson Memorial located at Mile 1.4 of the Seward Highway in Seward, Alaska.
The Alaska State Flag waves proudly every day, and especially on October 18, Alaska Day, the commemoration of the territory changing hands from Russia to the U.S. on October 18, 1867. There are also some celebrations around the state annually on July 9, the day the Alaska state flag was first flown.
Hear a beautiful version of the Alaska Flag Song here, the state song about the bold and meaningful flag invented by Benny Benson, a important historical figure in Alaska.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
No matter where you go in your life, if you grew up in Alaska it will always be a point of pride and conversation. The state is huge and you could be from the verdant rainforests of Southeast or a thousand miles north in the tundra of the Northwest. Alaska encompasses thousands of beautiful miles of varied terrain. No matter where you've been living in Alaska, there are far more trees than people, an outdoor lifestyle, and a lot of fish! These are some of the residual signs that you grew up at the top of the world.
Alaskans know full well not to waste a moment of summer sun. Whether it be working hard or playing hard, Alaskans have a "Go! Go! Go!" mentality that doesn't fade. When the sun is shining, an Alaskan will be moving and getting things done no matter what. We know how short the summer sun can be, so we enjoy it to the fullest!
As the salmon fill the rivers and streams in the summer, Alaskans go fishing to fill the freezers for the winter. At this time of year, salmon can be eaten at every meal without a thought. Most who grew up in Alaska can eat a LOT of salmon without ever getting tired of the red, succulent fish. Whether it be smoked, dried, grilled, canned, baked, broiled, or in something different like a pie or spaghetti, Alaskans find a way to keep eating salmon as long as they are running.
The Alaskan summer midnight sun brings the warmth, but when it's gone during long, dark winter nights the heat doesn't linger. Consequently, it is never both warm and dark in Alaska. Summer nights are light and winter nights are cold. It can take an Alaskan a while to used to warm, dark summer nights in more temperate places. And in the lower latitudes, you miss out on one of the absolute treasures of winter in the north: the aurora borealis! what's it like living in Alaska? Life in Alaska can be stunning.
With the long distances food is required to travel to get to Alaskan store shelves, most people understand that the more remote you are, the higher the prices. That can mean a $17.00 frozen pizza in Glenallen or a bag of oranges for $14.00 in Utqiagvik. So, Alaskans think prices everywhere else are reasonable.
With so much space and so few people, Alaskans rarely have to drive very close to other cars, and hardly ever have to parallel park. Unless you are in downtown Anchorage on a regular basis, most of Alaska has plenty of room to park far from other cars. Of course, parallel parking is required for the driver's license test, but those skills can get rusty when they are hardly ever used.
Small, dark, tart, and completely unique, Alaskan blueberries are just not the same as the ones sold everywhere else. If you grow up in Alaska, you will forever miss the blueberries of home when snacking on the other kind. Alaskan blueberries are a wonderful spotlight in every Alaskan’s childhood!
7. You think everything is close together in the rest of the world.
Alaska is enormous and getting from one region to another takes a while, and usually more than one form of transportation. When a journey from one town to the other takes a plane, a boat, and a car ride, you are unfazed by epic distances. Everything in the Lower 48 states seems so manageable once you leave our great land. It makes Alaskans formidable travelers, unafraid of crossing long distances to get somewhere amazing.
You may think hockey would be Alaska's most popular sport, and it is pretty popular, but basketball is really the most popular sport in the AK. In rural Alaska where all items including sports equipment are scarce, basketball is played night and day all summer long. With the midnight sun lighting the courts, the pickup games are never-ending.
With weather temperatures that can drop 10's of degrees in a few hours, or warm up with the sun to sweltering temps, Alaskans know to bring a lot of different kinds of clothes everywhere they go. The ability to adjust your outfit for comfort and safety from the elements and the mosquitoes is an Alaskan skill.
Jeans, a flannel shirt, and a season-appropriate boot are usually the norm at any event in Alaska, regardless of how fancy it is supposed to be. You'll see jeans at church, at nice restaurants, even at the opera in Alaska. If you are traveling, you might want to ask a friend before heading out if you are dressed correctly for the occasion because Alaskans actually have no idea.
Growing up around far, far more trees than people, buildings, or cars, an Alaskan will always need to find some natural place to recharge. If you lose your Alaskan at the nice hotel, wedding, or skyscraper, look in the nearest park and you may find them sitting under a tree just getting away from the crowd and talking to the birds. Living in Alaska isn’t for the fainthearted, but it is for the one who appreciates everything this great state has to offer!
Growing up in Alaska is definitely a unique experience! What are some of the best things about living in Alaska that you have encountered? Are there any strange side effects we didn't mention? Tell us about it in the comments section.
Despite a few weird quirks, we love Alaska with all our hearts. Show off your Alaska state pride with some gear from Wear Your Roots.
Fascinated by all the wild things Alaskans do? Read more about some of our favorite weird things about Alaska life.
