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Introduction - United States Facts
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, in which the 13 British colonies declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, was adopted by the Continental Congress. Many people regard this date as the date the United States of America became a country and the thirteen original colonies became states. Others argue that the U.S. did not become an independent country and the states did not become states until the ratification of the Constitution on March 4, 1789. Over the more than 200 years of its existence as an independent country, the United States has expanded tremendously. In fact there are now 50 states the last two, Alaska and Hawaii, joining the union in 1959.Interesting U.S. State Facts
- Because it was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution Delaware is considered by most people to be the first state of the United States of America. It ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, in Dover Delaware.
- On August 20th, 1959 Hawaii was the 50th and last state to join the United States.
- Starting on December 20, 1860, with South Carolina several states succeeded from the U.S. thus beginning the American Civil War.
- Alaska is the largest US state. This huge state accounts for 17% of the country's total area.
- Based on total area Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US.
- The hottest state in the U.S. is Florida. Florida has an average annual temperature of 71.5 degrees Fahrenheit (21.9 Celsius).
- The coldest state in the U.S., with an average temperature well below freezing, is Alaska.
List of the 13 Original States
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Georgia
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- South Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- New York
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
Possible Future U.S. States
- Puerto Rico - The people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have had the opportunity to become a US state several times over the last few decades. It is always possible in the future they may vote to do so.
- District of Columbia - People living in the District of Columbia do not have full representation in the United States Congress. There has been discussion about this district becoming a state with the name "New Columbia" often being mentioned.
- New York City - New York City has a population greater than most US states. Secession from New York State would allow it to govern itself and retain a lot more of the revenue it generates as the financial capital of the world.
- Cuba - Although unlikely it is a possibility that someday this island nation will embrace democracy and could desire U.S. statehood.