Which States Joined the Union Later Than the Original Thirteen?

The United States history is rich with tales of expansion, annexation, and statehood development that were not part of the original thirteen colonies. While many Americans are familiar with the tricolor flag of the original colonies featuring 13 stripes and stars, the journey to the 50 states is far from straightforward.

Understanding the Original Thirteen Colonies

The term 'original thirteen colonies' refers to the states that were already part of the independent United States before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These colonies, also known as the 'original thirteen states,' formed the first permanent English settlements in North America. They comprised the following: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Expansion Beyond the Original Thirteen

As the United States expanded westward, many regions formerly part of other political entities such as Spanish colonies or French territories gradually became states. By the time the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, only 13 states had been admitted to the union. Since then, 37 additional states have joined the union, leading to the total of 50 states that currently make up the United States.

States Not Formed from the Original Thirteen

Several states did not originally come from the original thirteen colonies. These states were formed from territories that were once part of other countries, such as France, Spain, or Mexico. Below are some examples:

West Virginia: Split off from Virginia in 1863 and joined the Union in 1863. Maine: Part of Massachusetts until the Revolutionary War, then became a separate district within Massachusetts. Kentucky and Tennessee: Originally part of the Virginia and North Carolina colonies, respectively, they split off in the late 18th century. Louisiana and other territories: These were part of French Louisiana and New Spain, and later became states after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act and Westward Expansion

During the mid-19th century, the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) led to the formation of new states in the midwest. This act allowed settlers to decide whether to allow slavery in their territories through the principle of popular sovereignty. Missouri and Illinois were admitted in 1821, and other states like Iowa and Wisconsin followed suit in the early 1840s.

Challenges in State Formation

The process of forming new states has often faced logistical and political issues. For instance, the creation of a rectangular state shape disregards regional market centers and relevant proximities, reflecting the challenges faced by early American geographers and surveyors. This has led to states with peculiar shapes and boundaries, such as the rectangular shape of Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Conclusion

The U.S. has significantly expanded since the original thirteen states through a series of annexations, purchases, and organized territories. Understanding the various routes to statehood is crucial for comprehending the vast and complex history of the United States. Whether it’s 36 or 37, the count of states that joined the union beyond the original thirteen reflects the dynamic nature of American expansion.

Keywords

United States history, original thirteen colonies, state formation, West Virginia, Kentucky