49 Star Flag-July 4th 1959

From the early days of the Eisenhower Administration, discussion focused on Alaska and Hawaii becoming states.  Following the admission of Alaska in 1958, suggestions for a new Flag design poured into the White House.

At 1201 AM, July 4th, 1959, the 49-star Flag was raised over Fort McHenry, making it the official Flag of the United States.  With the admission of Hawaii anticipated, the 49-star Flag was on the way out as soon as it came in.  A few originals still exist.

Sources:

Eisenhower, Dwight. “Executive Order 10798: Regarding the Specifications of the Flag of the United States” (1959) [DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 370, OF-102-C American Flag (4); NAID #18471297]Executive Order 10798 regarding flag specifications, 1/3/1959  

Eisenhower Presidential Library. “Design of the 49- and 50-Star Flags” Retrieved 8 November 2024 from https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/design-49-and-50-star-flags

Eisenhower Presidential Library. “Program from flag raising ceremony at Fort McHenry” (1959) [Fred A. Seaton Papers, Speeches Series, FAS Subseries, Box 32, Flag Raising Ceremony Fort McHenry Baltimore; NAID #7321650] https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/research/online-documents/design-49-and-50-star-flags

Hagerty, James. “Press release announcing a Committee to Recommend a Flag Design to the President” (1958) [DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 370, OF-102-C American Flag (3); NAID #18313260] https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/sites/default/files/research/online-documents/flag/1958-10-16.pdf

Milton, Hugh. “Letter, Acting Secretary of Army to Secretary of Defense regarding suggestions for a 49-star flag,” (1958) [DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 370, OF-102-C American Flag (3); NAID #18313255] https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/sites/default/files/research/online-documents/flag/1958-09-15-letter.pdf