Question: On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of America. Why did we wait until July 4, 1959 to fly the 49 stars flag?
Answer: We waited to fly our new flag because of the laws in place. A joint resolution of Congress, made on April 4, 1818, states that we will add a new star for every additional state included into the union, and the new flag will fly on the following Fourth of July.
http://qmfound.com/us_flag_49th_and_50th_star.htm
The 49 stars flag flew for only a year. Hawaii received statehood on August 21 of 1959, and the 50 stars flag flew on July 4, 1960.
