What order did the states join the union? This is a question that often comes up when discussing the history of the United States. The order in which the states ratified the Constitution and became part of the Union is a fascinating part of American history. In this article, we will explore the chronological order of statehood and provide some interesting facts about each state’s journey to becoming a member of the Union.
The United States of America was established on July 4, 1776, with the Declaration of Independence. However, it wasn’t until 1788 that the Constitution was ratified, and the Union officially began. The first state to join the Union was Delaware, which ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Delaware was followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut, all of which joined in quick succession.
Delaware, the first state, was also the second smallest state in terms of area at the time. Its early ratification can be attributed to its strong influence from the Enlightenment and its proximity to the nation’s capital, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, as the second state, played a significant role in the drafting of the Constitution and was a major economic power at the time.
New Jersey was the third state to ratify the Constitution, followed by Georgia and Connecticut. Georgia, with its fertile land and strategic location, was an important addition to the Union. Connecticut, on the other hand, was known for its strong manufacturing sector and its influence on the development of the American economy.
Maryland and South Carolina were the next two states to join the Union, followed by New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York. These states brought a diverse range of resources and talents to the new nation. Maryland, for instance, was a major tobacco producer, while New York was a hub for trade and finance.
North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont followed suit, with North Carolina and Rhode Island joining in 1789 and Vermont in 1791. Vermont was unique in that it was the first state to be admitted to the Union as a free state, reflecting the growing abolitionist movement in the country.
The Union continued to expand with the admission of Kentucky and Tennessee in 1792, followed by Ohio in 1803. These states contributed to the nation’s growth and helped shape the economic and political landscape of the United States.
By 1812, the Union had grown to include Louisiana, which was acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. The admission of Maine in 1820 marked the end of the War of 1812, and the state of Missouri was admitted as a slave state in 1821, maintaining the balance between free and slave states.
The 19th century saw the admission of more states, including Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. The Civil War, which began in 1861, had a significant impact on the order of statehood, with states seceding from the Union and later being readmitted.
In the 20th century, the Union continued to expand with the admission of states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. The 20th century also saw the admission of states in the western and southern regions, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota.
Here are some comments from readers about this article:
1. “It’s amazing to see how the Union has grown over the years. I had no idea that Vermont was the first free state!”
2. “I never realized that Delaware was the first state to join the Union. What a fascinating history!”
3. “The order of statehood is a great way to learn about the history of the United States. Thanks for the informative article!”
4. “It’s interesting to see how the geographical location of each state influenced its order of admission.”
5. “I didn’t know that Maryland was a major tobacco producer. What a unique part of American history!”
6. “The Louisiana Purchase was a significant event in the history of the United States. It’s fascinating to see how it affected the order of statehood.”
7. “I love how this article highlights the diverse contributions of each state to the Union.”
8. “It’s amazing to think about how the Union has grown from 13 states to 50 states over the years.”
9. “The Civil War had a huge impact on the order of statehood. It’s fascinating to see how it changed the landscape of the United States.”
10. “The admission of Maine and Missouri in 1820 was a significant event in the history of the United States. It’s great to learn about it in this article.”
11. “I didn’t know that Texas was admitted to the Union in 1845. What a unique part of American history!”
12. “It’s fascinating to see how the Union has expanded over the years, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.”
13. “The order of statehood is a great way to learn about the cultural and economic diversity of the United States.”
14. “The article provides a great overview of the history of the United States and the order of statehood.”
15. “I appreciate the detailed information provided about each state’s journey to becoming a member of the Union.”
16. “It’s interesting to see how the admission of states has shaped the political and economic landscape of the United States.”
17. “The article is well-written and easy to understand. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in American history.”
18. “I never realized that the order of statehood had such a significant impact on the history of the United States.”
19. “The admission of states in the 19th and 20th centuries was a major event in the history of the United States. It’s fascinating to learn about it in this article.”
20. “The order of statehood is a great way to learn about the growth and development of the United States over the years.
