President Eisenhower’s Statements on Alaska and Hawaii Statehood (1953-1956)

Date: September, 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-1 Alaskan Statehood (1); NAID #12012412

This document is a collection of statements in which President Dwight D. Eisenhower discussed the proposed statehood of Hawaii and Alaska. It brings together excerpts from a variety of presidential sources, including State of the Union Addresses, radio and television press conferences, and speeches delivered throughout the United States.

During the 1950s, both Hawaii and Alaska sought admission to the Union, but political and strategic considerations complicated the debate. Many Republicans favored Hawaiian statehood, while many Democrats supported Alaskan statehood, reflecting the expected political leanings of each territory. Through these statements President Eisenhower publicly explained his views on the issue. While he consistently supported Hawaii’s admission, he expressed greater caution regarding Alaska, citing economic development, national defense, and congressional considerations before endorsing statehood.