Each state in the United States of America is unique. The people and legislature of Alaska have selected the following state symbols to represent their state's individual environment and culture.
![[Image of The Alaska State Seal]](/media/graphics/state-seals/alaska-seal.png)
The state seal was originally designed in 1910 while Alaska was a territory and not a state.
The rays above the mountains represent the Northern Lights. The smelter symbolizes mining. The train stands for Alaska�s railroads, and ships denote transportation by sea. The trees symbolize Alaska�s wealth of forests, and the farmer, his horse, and the three shocks of wheat represent Alaskan agriculture. The fish and the seals signify the importance of fishing and wildlife to Alaska�s economy.
![[Image of The Alaska State Flag]](/media/graphics/state-flags/alaska-flag.png)
Alaska's state flag was adopted when the territory became a state in 1959.
The field of blue symbolizes the sky, the sea, mountain lakes, and Alaska's wildflowers.
The Big Dipper and the North Star are shown in gold. These are symbols of Alaska's location as the northernmost state.
A contest was held in 1926 for the design of Alaska's flag. The winner was a 13-year-old Native American boy named Bennie Benson, and he received a 1,000-dollar scholarship and a watch for his winning entry.
