Statehood
West Virgina Votes to Secede from Virginia
On October 24, 1861, the people of West Virginia voted to secede from the Confederate state of Virginia.
U.S. Takes Possession of Alaska
On October 18, 1867, Alaska became part of America in a move dubbed “Seward’s Folly.”
America Adds 50th State – Hawaii
On August 21, 1959, America became the 50-state nation we know today with the addition of Hawaii.
Northwest Ordinance Revolutionizes Addition of New States to the Union
The United States passed the Northwest Ordinance on July 13, 1787, to establish a set of steps territories would have to follow before becoming a state.
Wyoming Becomes 44th U.S. State
Wyoming became America’s 44th state on July 10, 1890.