Eisenhower Expresses Support for Hawaii Statehood and Plans for a Statehood Celebration (1959)

Date: February 6, 1959

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Alaska & Hawaii Statehood, The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 632, OF-147-E-1 Hawaiian Statehood (2); NAID #16610960

In this February 6, 1959 cablegram, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sends greetings to Hawaii Governor William F. Quinn and participants attending a citizens’ conference devoted to planning celebrations for Hawaiian statehood. Although Hawaii had not yet officially been admitted to the Union, the message reflects growing confidence that statehood was approaching and that preparations for celebrating the event were already underway.

Eisenhower tells Quinn that he was pleased to learn of the advance planning being conducted to celebrate Hawaii’s admission as a state. He describes the prospect of Hawaiian statehood as “splendid” and gives the effort his wholehearted support. Eisenhower also expresses hope that the beginning of Hawaii’s planned year-long celebration would not be delayed. The brief message demonstrates the president’s public support for Hawaiian statehood at an important moment in the statehood campaign. Just weeks later, Congress would take up legislation admitting Hawaii to the Union, completing a process that Eisenhower had supported during his presidency.

The document provides a useful example of the administration’s relationship with Hawaii’s territorial leadership and illustrates the optimism surrounding the final stages of the Hawaii statehood movement. It also complements documents concerning Alaska’s admission by showing the administration’s support for adding both territories as states.