Discover When Each State Joined the Union: Date of Entry on Stately Knowledge

Introduction:

The United States of America is a country consisting of 50 states, each with its unique history, geography, and cultural heritage. While each state is an individual entity, they are also an inseparable part of the country. This article will provide a detailed outline of the history of states joining the Union, the reasons for joining, and the latest news on statehood in the US.

I. The United States Motto

"E Pluribus Unum," meaning "one from many," was the original motto of the United States. It refers to the idea of individual political units fusing into a single federal state. Statehood is granted when an entity ratifies the US Constitution.

II. States' Joining Dates

Each state has a unique trajectory and a different reason for joining the Union. The table below shows the date each state joined the Union. The 13 original colonies were British territories founded in the 17th and 18th centuries. They fought for, and won independence from Britain in 1776 and went on to form The Thirteen Colonies. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1788, It was then followed by other states in joining the Union.

III. Reasons for Joining and Different Paths to Statehood

In the 19th century, the US entered an expansionist phase when 14 new states joined the Union, bringing the total number of states to 31, driven by a sense of "Manifest Destiny." Kentucky broke away from Virginia due to political differences, and Maine separated from Massachusetts to maintain the balance of free states and slave states after Missouri joined the Union. Some states were quickly absorbed into the Union, while others found it more difficult. California was allowed to enter the Union as early as 1850, primarily for economic reasons, while Utah remained a territory for decades until it was finally admitted in 1896.

IV. FAQs

Delaware was the first state to join the United States, whereas Hawaii was the last state. The 13 original colonies were New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maryland, Georgia, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There are 14 US territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Wake Island, and Navassa Island.

V. Latest News on Statehood in the US

Puerto Rico's status has been a matter of public debate since it became an American territory in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. While Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship, they have not been granted equal representation in Congress, and the island lacks electoral college votes. The latest referendum held in November 2020 showed that voters appeared to favor statehood. Two separate bills were introduced in Congress in March 2021 concerning Puerto Rico's status. Meanwhile, Washington D.C. is a federal district, and its residents lack voting rights and representation in Congress, although they are taxed as US citizens. The latest Admission Bill proposed the creation of a smaller new federal district that covers the main federal government buildings, with the rest of the city becoming a new state, named "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth."

VI. Conclusion

The United States is a diverse country consisting of 50 states, each with its unique history and culture. The process of admitting new states to the Union is a significant part of US history, with each state following a unique trajectory and a different path to statehood. The latest news on statehood in the US suggests that the country's future could see more expansion and political changes to reflect the diversity of its citizens.