Benjamin Franklin Heintzleman (December 3, 1888 – June 24, 1965) was an American forester who spent much of his career supporting the development of Alaska Territory.

Following a career with the United States Forest Service he was appointed Governor of Alaska Territory, a position he held from 1953 till 1957.

During his term as governor he continued to support economic development but was largely opposed to efforts granting statehood to Alaska.

Toward this end he called for revised homesteading and land laws along with updated mineral leases, power licenses, and timber contracts.

His letter of resignation explain his departure by pointing out that he "had forty-six years of public service" and desired "to retire to less strenuous work".

The timing, three months before the end of his term, was occasioned by the outgoing governor's desire to allow for his replacement to be in place before the next territorial legislature convened on January 28, 1957.

This eastern area, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Alaska Panhandle, would contain about 85% of the then-territory's population, and according to Heintzleman should be granted statehood.

[9][10] The proposal to divide the territory was so unpopular among Alaskans[11] that a petition drive was organized asking President Eisenhower to remove Heintzleman as governor.