How did Hawaii and Alaska become states?

Alaska entered the Union first, on Jan. 3, 1959. The United States acquired the Alaskan territory from Russia in March of 1867.

Then Secretary of State William Seward paid Baron Edouard Stoeckl, the Russian Minister to the United States, $7.2 million for the land. The price breaks down to roughly 2 cents per acre.

The formal transfer of land between the U.S. and Russia took place Oct. 18, 1867, when the U.S. flag was raised at Sitka.

Alaska became a U.S. territory in 1912 and the first bill for Alaskan statehood appeared before Congress in 1916. Alaskans adopted a Constitution in 1956 and sent two senators and a representative to Congress.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Alaska's statehood bill in 1958 and on July 4, 1959, the first U.S. flags with 49 stars were raised over Philadelphia's Independence Hall That flag became null and void when Hawaii became a state, on Aug. 21, 1959.

The United States acquired Hawaii through force. Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last Queen, was deposed on Jan. 17, 1893, by a group of American businessmen supported by the United States Navy and Marine Corps and diplomatic representatives.

Sovereignty of Hawaii transferred to the U.S. on Aug. 12, 1898 during ceremonies at Iolani Palace in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900.

On Nov. 23, 1993, The United States apologized for illegally overthrowing the Kingdom of Hawaii, and recognized the inherent sovereignty and right of self-determination of native islanders.

Needless to say, a lot of shady events took place between Jan. 17, 1893 and Aug. 21, 1959. Hawaiian sovereignty is still a hot issue in the islands to this day and likely will be for as long as the United States flag flies over Hawaii.