Statehood
Montana Becomes 41st State
On November 8, 1889, Montana was admitted to the Union. The population exploded in the years leading up to after statehood due to the discovery of rich gold, silver, and copper deposits.
North Dakota Admitted to the Union
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 39th state.
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. They would achieve statehood less than tow years later.
U.S. Takes Possession of Alaska
On October 18, 1867, Alaska became part of America in a move dubbed “Seward’s Folly.”
New York Becomes 11th State to Join the Union
On July 26, 1788, New York ratified the US Constitution, becoming America’s 11th state. It has grown to be America’s fourth most populous state, with more than 20 million residents.
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 all future states would have to follow. It was ground breaking at the time and led to the organized and rapid expansion of America.
Oregon Becomes 33rd State
On February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state in the Union.
Iowa Becomes a State
On December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted as America’s 29th state.
Alabama Becomes 22nd State
On December 14, 1819, Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state.