Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Alaska’s 50th Anniversary
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026
1. Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Marker
This plaque is dedicated in honor of Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood. Recognizing the leadership of William A. Egan, Alaska’s first elected governor. October 18, 2008.
“We love our great United States of America . . . and we will never have a true peace of mind until we are taken in . . . as one of the great states of the Union.”
President William Egan’s farewell address to the Alaska Constitutional Convention. February 5, 1956
Erected 2009 by British Petroleum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 2008.
Location. 61° 7.756′ N, 146° 21.341′ W. Marker is in Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska. It is at the intersection of Egan Drive and Tatitlek Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Egan Drive. Marker is located in front of the Valdez Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 Egan Drive, Valdez AK 99686, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southcentral Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “Abandon Ship!” (a few steps from this marker); An Inside Job (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town Fire Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Getting there . . . (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail of the Whispering Giants (approx. 0.2 miles away).
More about this marker. A bas relief of Gov. Egan appears on the left side of the marker and has a caption of “William A. “Bill” Egan, Valdez born, former Valdez City Council Member and Mayor, served six terms in the Territorial Legislature and was elected President of the Alaska Constitutional Convention. In 1959, Alaskans elected “Governor Bill” to lead Alaska through the early years of statehood. They re-elected him in 1962; and again in 1970."
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026
2. Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026
3. Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 10, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
