Statehood
Utah Becomes 45th State
On January 4, 1896, Utah became a US state. Statehood was finally achieved after several attempts over more than 45 years.
Texas Admitted to the Union
On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted as America’s 28th state. Texas joined the US after 10 years as an independent republic.
California’s First Civil Settlement
On November 29, 1777, the first non-military and non-missionary settlement in California was established as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in Alta, California.
Washington, D.C., Residents Vote in Their First Presidential Election
Though the District of Columbia has served as our nation’s capital since 1791, its residents didn’t get to vote in their first presidential election until November 3, 1964.
California Admitted to the Union
On September 9, 1850, California became America’s 31st state. The discovery of gold there two years earlier created a population boom that led to the need for a state government.
Oregon Territory Established
On August 14, 1848, the Oregon Territory was established. It would be another 11 years before the territory achieved statehood.
Bicentenary Statehood Series
On July 4, 1987, the USPS issued the first in a series of stamps honoring America’s first 13 states. The series honored each state’s 200th anniversary of statehood as well as the bicentennial of the ratification of the Constitution.
Maryland Becomes Seventh U.S. State
On April 28, 1788, Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the US Constitution, an act that admitted it as America’s seventh state.
Georgia Becomes 4th State
On January 2, 1788, Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the US Constitution, making it our fourth state.