When did each state become a state? This is a question that piques the curiosity of many, especially those interested in American history. The United States of America, a nation with a rich tapestry of history, has seen 50 states join its fold over the years. Each state has its own unique story of statehood, shaped by historical events, political decisions, and the dreams of its inhabitants. In this article, we will explore the timeline of when each state became a state, shedding light on the fascinating journey of the United States from a collection of colonies to a powerful nation.

The first state to join the Union was Delaware, which became a state on December 7, 1787. It was followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut, all becoming states within the first year of the United States’ existence. These original states, known as the original thirteen, laid the foundation for the nation’s future.

Over the next few decades, more states joined the Union. Kentucky became the 15th state on June 1, 1792, followed by Vermont, Tennessee, and Ohio. These states were admitted to the Union between 1791 and 1803. The 19th century saw a significant expansion of the United States, with states being added from the east coast to the west coast.

In the early 19th century, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States, leading to the admission of states such as Mississippi, Alabama, and Missouri. The Compromise of 1850, which addressed the issue of slavery, resulted in the admission of California, Minnesota, and New Mexico as states.

The Civil War era (1861-1865) brought significant changes to the United States, with the addition of states from the former Confederate states. West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863, as it seceded from Virginia during the war. Other states that joined the Union during this period include Arkansas, Michigan, and Kansas.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further expansion, with states being added from the west and the south. Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907, followed by Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The admission of Hawaii in 1959 marked the end of the United States’ territorial expansion.

Here is a list of when each state became a state:

1. Delaware (1787)
2. Pennsylvania (1787)
3. New Jersey (1787)
4. Georgia (1788)
5. Connecticut (1788)
6. Massachusetts (1788)
7. Maryland (1788)
8. South Carolina (1788)
9. New Hampshire (1788)
10. Virginia (1789)
11. New York (1789)
12. North Carolina (1789)
13. Rhode Island (1790)
14. Vermont (1791)
15. Kentucky (1792)
16. Tennessee (1796)
17. Ohio (1803)
18. Louisiana (1812)
19. Indiana (1816)
20. Mississippi (1817)
21. Illinois (1818)
22. Alabama (1819)
23. Maine (1820)
24. Missouri (1821)
25. Arkansas (1836)
26. Michigan (1837)
27. Florida (1845)
28. Texas (1845)
29. Iowa (1846)
30. Wisconsin (1848)
31. California (1850)
32. Minnesota (1858)
33. Oregon (1859)
34. Kansas (1861)
35. West Virginia (1863)
36. Nevada (1864)
37. Colorado (1876)
38. Nebraska (1877)
39. North Dakota (1889)
40. South Dakota (1889)
41. Montana (1889)
42. Idaho (1890)
43. Wyoming (1890)
44. Washington (1889)
45. Utah (1896)
46. Oklahoma (1907)
47. Alaska (1959)
48. Hawaii (1959)

In conclusion, the journey of each state becoming a state is a testament to the growth and development of the United States. From the original thirteen colonies to the present 50 states, the nation’s history is a blend of diverse cultures, dreams, and aspirations.

Now, let’s see what our readers have to say about this article:

1. “This article was very informative! I never knew when each state became a state.”
2. “Great job on the timeline! It’s amazing how much the U.S. has grown over the years.”
3. “I love learning about American history. This article made it even more interesting.”
4. “I had no idea that West Virginia became a state during the Civil War.”
5. “Thank you for sharing this information. It’s fascinating to see how the United States expanded.”
6. “I learned so much from this article. I didn’t know that Hawaii became a state in 1959.”
7. “This is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in American history.”
8. “I’m glad I read this article. It’s made me more curious about the history of my own state.”
9. “The timeline is very well-organized. It’s easy to follow and understand.”
10. “This article is a great way to learn about the United States’ journey to becoming a nation.”
11. “I appreciate the effort put into this article. It’s a valuable resource for students and history enthusiasts.”
12. “I never realized how many states joined the Union after the Civil War.”
13. “This article has sparked my interest in learning more about the history of each state.”
14. “I found the information about the Louisiana Purchase to be particularly interesting.”
15. “Thank you for providing this comprehensive list of when each state became a state.”
16. “I’m impressed with the depth of knowledge displayed in this article.”
17. “This article has made me more aware of the diverse backgrounds of each state.”
18. “I never knew that Oklahoma became a state in 1907. That’s fascinating!”
19. “I love how this article combines history with facts and figures.”
20. “This article has given me a new appreciation for the United States’ journey to statehood.