Eisenhower Approves Alaska Statehood and Directs the Federal Government to Prepare for Its Admission to the Union (1958)

Date: July 7, 1958

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The Presidency, Alaska & Hawaii Statehood

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 630, OF-147-D Alaska (4); NAID #12012406

These documents record President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s approval of the Alaska Statehood Act and the federal government’s preparations for Alaska’s transition from a territory to a state. On July 7, 1958, Eisenhower informed Alaska Governor Michael A. Stepovich that he had signed H.R. 7999 and expressed his hope that the process would result in Alaska’s admission to the Union. In a public statement that same day, Eisenhower celebrated Alaska statehood while expressing disappointment that Congress had not also acted on Hawaii statehood, which he strongly supported. He also ordered a review of Alaska’s national defense requirements.

The collection also demonstrates the administrative challenges involved in transforming Alaska from a federal territory into a state. A Bureau of the Budget memorandum explains that statehood required changes to federal laws, programs, governmental organization, and responsibilities involving numerous agencies. The administration therefore sought a coordinated plan for managing the transition. Eisenhower subsequently directed Budget Director Maurice H. Stans to lead this effort and recommend any additional actions requiring presidential attention. Together, the documents illustrate that Alaska statehood involved not only congressional approval and presidential action, but extensive planning throughout the executive branch.