Hawaii: The 50th and Final State (Admitted 1959)

No. Hawaii was the 50th state admitted to the Union—on August 21, 1959.

First State

Delaware – December 7, 1787 ("The First State").

Hawaii's Path

• 1898: Annexed by U.S. (Newlands Resolution).
• 1900: Organized as Territory of Hawaii.
• 1959: Statehood Act passed Congress; referendum approved (94% yes).
• Aug 21, 1959: Eisenhower signed proclamation.

Why the Confusion?

Hawaii's remote, tropical, non-contiguous nature makes it feel "recent" or "special"—but it was the last, not the first. Alaska (49th) preceded it by 7 months (Jan 3, 1959).