Stories, history, and reflections from a nation 250 years in the making
From Delaware in 1787 to Hawaii in 1959 — and the six territories that share our flag — a complete timeline of America's union.
The United States began with 13 colonies that signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Between 1787 and 1790, those colonies ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the first 13 states. Over the next 169 years, 37 more states would join the Union — through purchase, war, treaty, settlement, and act of Congress.
Below is the full chronology of all 50 states in the order they were admitted, followed by the six U.S. territories that, though not states, are an essential part of the American story.
Home to more than 3.5 million American citizens and nationals, these six territories are an essential part of the American story.
The most populous U.S. territory, home to more than 3 million American citizens. Acquired from Spain following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a commonwealth in 1952 and remains a vibrant part of the American family.
An island in the western Pacific, Guam was ceded by Spain in 1898 and became an organized, unincorporated U.S. territory under the Guam Organic Act of 1950. Often called "Where America's Day Begins."
Purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million, the U.S. Virgin Islands include St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Its residents have been U.S. citizens since 1927.
A group of islands in the South Pacific that became a U.S. territory through treaties beginning in 1900. The only U.S. territory south of the equator, with a proud Polynesian heritage and a remarkable tradition of military service.
A chain of 14 islands in the western Pacific that voted to become a U.S. commonwealth in 1978 after decades as a United Nations trust territory administered by the United States.
Established by the Residence Act of 1790 and home to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Though not a state or a traditional territory, it is the seat of the federal government and home to nearly 700,000 Americans.