Exploring the Founding States- A Journey Through the First States of the United States
What were the first states in the United States? This question often sparks curiosity among history enthusiasts and newcomers to the nation. The United States, as we know it today, was born out of a series of colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. The process of forming the first states was a complex and intricate one, with each colony facing unique challenges and making significant contributions to the nation’s foundation. In this article, we will explore the first states in the United States and their roles in shaping the nation’s history.
The first states in the United States were the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. These colonies were:
1. Delaware: Often referred to as the “First State,” Delaware was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, making it the first state to officially join the Union on December 7, 1787.
2. Pennsylvania: Founded by William Penn in 1681, Pennsylvania was one of the most influential colonies during the Revolution. It played a significant role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and hosting the Constitutional Convention.
3. New Jersey: New Jersey was the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, becoming the third state to join the Union on December 18, 1787.
4. Georgia: Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the fourth state to join the Union on January 2, 1788.
5. Connecticut: Connecticut was the fifth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the fifth state to join the Union on January 9, 1788.
6. Maryland: Maryland was the sixth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the sixth state to join the Union on April 28, 1788.
7. South Carolina: South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the eighth state to join the Union on May 23, 1788.
8. New Hampshire: New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the ninth state to join the Union on June 21, 1788.
9. Vermont: Although not one of the original colonies, Vermont declared independence from New York and declared itself a sovereign state in 1777. It was the 14th state to join the Union on March 4, 1791.
10. Massachusetts: Massachusetts was the tenth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the tenth state to join the Union on February 6, 1788.
11. Maryland: We mentioned Maryland as the sixth state to join the Union earlier, but it is worth noting that it was also the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
12. Virginia: Virginia was the eleventh state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the eleventh state to join the Union on June 25, 1788.
13. New York: New York was the twelfth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the twelfth state to join the Union on July 26, 1788.
14. North Carolina: North Carolina was the thirteenth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the thirteenth state to join the Union on November 21, 1789.
These first states played crucial roles in the formation of the United States. They were instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence, contributing to the American Revolution, and shaping the nation’s political and social landscape. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these states contributed to the rich tapestry of American history and continue to influence the nation today.
