When Did U.S. States Become States?

The formation of the United States was a complex and gradual process that took nearly two centuries to complete. From the original 13 colonies that declared independence in 1776 to the addition of Hawaii as the 50th state in 1959, the path to statehood was shaped by political, economic, and social factors. Let’s explore the timeline and unique stories behind each state’s entry into the Union.

Interactive Map: U.S. States and Their Journey to Statehood

Mapped: US States by Date of Statehood

The Original 13 States: Laying the Foundation (1787-1790)

The journey to statehood began with the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the original 13 colonies, which became the first states. These were:

1. Delaware – December 7, 1787
2. Pennsylvania – December 12, 1787
3. New Jersey – December 18, 1787
4. Georgia – January 2, 1788
5. Connecticut – January 9, 1788
6. Massachusetts – February 6, 1788
7. Maryland – April 28, 1788
8. South Carolina – May 23, 1788
9. New Hampshire – June 21, 1788
10. Virginia – June 25, 1788
11. New York – July 26, 1788
12. North Carolina – November 21, 1789
13. Rhode Island – May 29, 1790

These states formed the backbone of the new nation, establishing the principles and governance structures that would shape the United States.

Expansion and Growth (1791-1850)

After the original 13 states, the U.S. began its westward expansion, incorporating new territories as states. Vermont was the first to join this new wave, becoming a state in 1791. Over the next several decades, states such as Kentucky (1792), Tennessee (1796), and Ohio (1803) joined the Union. By 1850, the United States had grown to 31 states, with California being the latest addition that year.

1. Vermont – March 4, 1791
2. Kentucky – June 1, 1792
3. Tennessee – June 1, 1796
4. Ohio – March 1, 1803
5. Louisiana – April 30, 1812
6. Indiana – December 11, 1816
7. Mississippi – December 10, 1817
8. Illinois – December 3, 1818
9. Alabama – December 14, 1819
10. Maine – March 15, 1820
11. Missouri – August 10, 1821
12. Arkansas – June 15, 1836
13. Michigan – January 26, 1837
14. Florida – March 3, 1845
15. Texas – December 29, 1845
16. Iowa – December 28, 1846
17. Wisconsin – May 29, 1848
18. California – September 9, 1850

The Civil War and Reconstruction (1858-1896)

The period leading up to and following the Civil War saw significant changes. States such as Minnesota (1858) and Oregon (1859) were admitted before the conflict, while states like West Virginia (1863), which separated from Confederate Virginia, were added during the war. By the end of the 19th century, the U.S. had expanded to 45 states.

1. Minnesota – May 11, 1858
2. Oregon – February 14, 1859
3. Kansas – January 29, 1861
4. West Virginia – June 20, 1863
5. Nevada – October 31, 1864
6. Nebraska – March 1, 1867
7. Colorado – August 1, 1876
8. North Dakota – November 2, 1889
9. South Dakota – November 2, 1889
10. Montana – November 8, 1889
11. Washington – November 11, 1889
12. Idaho – July 3, 1890
13. Wyoming – July 10, 1890
14. Utah – January 4, 1896

Completing the Lower 48 and Beyond (1907-1959)

By 1912, the contiguous United States was complete with the admission of Oklahoma (1907), New Mexico (1912), and Arizona (1912). The last two states to join the Union were Alaska and Hawaii in 1959, marking the end of the statehood process that had begun nearly 172 years earlier.

1. Oklahoma – November 16, 1907
2. New Mexico – January 6, 1912
3. Arizona – February 14, 1912
4. Alaska – January 3, 1959
5. Hawaii – August 21, 1959

The Statehood Debate Today

Even though all 50 states are now part of the Union, the debate over statehood continues. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, has held several referendums to gauge interest in becoming the 51st state. While statehood could provide more access to federal resources, it would also mean paying federal taxes and possibly restructuring the island’s significant debt.

Conclusion

The history of U.S. statehood is a testament to the country’s evolving identity. From the original 13 colonies to the addition of Hawaii, each state has contributed to the diverse mosaic of American culture and history. As debates over statehood for territories like Puerto Rico continue, the story of the United States remains one of growth and change, reflecting its ongoing journey toward a more perfect union.