January 1959 - January 3, 1959 (Saturday)

January 3, 1959 (Saturday)

• Alaska was proclaimed as the 49th U.S. state by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at 12:02 p.m. in Washington. A new American flag, with seven staggered rows, each with seven stars, was introduced. Given that a 50th state might soon be admitted, the 49-state flag was not widely produced, and Eisenhower added, "With limited exceptions, agencies of the Federal Government will continue to display the 48-star flag so long as it is still in good condition and until existing stocks of unused flags are exhausted. It is appropriate for all citizens to do the same."
• Separatists in the Maldivian islands of Suvadiva, Addu and Fua Mulaku declared independence. Abdullah Aleef proclaimed the United Suvadive Republic, which was crushed by Maldivian troops later that year.
• Died: Edwin Muir, 71, Scottish poet, novelist and translator