Statehood
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.
The U.S. Annexes Hawaii
On July 7, 1898, President William McKinley signed legislation annexing Hawaii, paving the way for it to become a US state.
Idaho Becomes 43rd State
On July 3, 1890, Idaho was admitted as America’s 43rd state.
Virginia Becomes 10th State
On June 25, 1788, Virginia ratified the US Constitution and was admitted as the 10th state of the Union.
West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state.
America Declares War on Great Britain
Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”
Arkansas Becomes 25th State
On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state of the Union.
Tennessee Becomes 16th State
On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was admitted as the 16th state in the Union.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.