THE FIRST 13 STATES IN THE UNION

Before America grew to 50 states, the Union began with just 13. Although the country was young, these states soon ratified the U.S. Constitution between 1787 and 1790. Together, they built the foundation of a new nation.

The first 13 states in the Union

How the first states came together

First, the story started long before independence. In 1607, English settlers founded Jamestown in Virginia, the first permanent English colony in America. Over the next century, 13 colonies also grew along the Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, the colonists felt more distant from Britain and less supported by its government.

Eventually, tensions boiled over. In 1775, the Revolutionary War began. Then, on July 4, 1776, the colonies declared independence from Britain. Finally, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the war and recognized the United States as a free nation. Soon after, the 13 states ratified the Constitution and built the government we know today.

What are the 13 original states?

Here are the 13 original states, listed in the order they ratified the Constitution:

  1. Delaware – December 7, 1787
  2. Pennsylvania – December 12, 1787
  3. New Jersey – December 18, 1787
  4. Georgia – January 2, 1788
  5. Connecticut – January 9, 1788
  6. Massachusetts – February 6, 1788
  7. Maryland – April 28, 1788
  8. South Carolina – May 23, 1788
  9. New Hampshire – June 21, 1788
  10. Virginia – June 25, 1788
  11. New York – July 26, 1788
  12. North Carolina – November 21, 1789
  13. Rhode Island – May 29, 1790

Each of these states still lives on in the 13 stripes of the American flag. Likewise, every state in the Union carries its own state flag today. For even more history, see our history of the American flag.

So do you want to know more about the first states in the Union? Call Flag World Company at 303-623-0589.