South Carolina Admitted to the Union
On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the Constitution, making it America’s eighth state.
Statehood
Oklahoma Land Run
On April 22, 1889, the first land rush into the Unassigned Lands of Oklahoma kicked off at high noon. By evening, 50,000 families settled in Oklahoma and two cities were established with populations over 10,000 each.
Battle of San Jacinto
On April 21, 1836, Texan soldiers led a swift attack on an unsuspecting Mexican force at the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the final, decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
US Purchases Alaska
On March 30, 1867, US Secretary of State William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia in what many at the time called “Seward’s Folly.”
Florida Becomes 27th State
On March 3, 1845, Florida joined the Union as the 27th state. The state’s name comes from Ponce de Leon, who arrived centuries earlier and named the area La Florida, likely in honor of the Easter Season, Pascua Florida.
Ohio Becomes 17th State
On March 1, 1803, Ohio was admitted as the 17th state of the Union. Named for the Ohio River, the word Ohio comes from the Seneca people, meaning “great river.”
Arizona Becomes 48th State
On February 14, 1912, Arizona was admitted as the 48th state. It would be another 48 years before another state was added to the Union.
Kansas Becomes 34th State
On January 29, 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union as America was on the brink of Civil War.
Michigan Becomes 26th State
On January 26, 1837, President Andrew Jackson approved Michigan’s bid for statehood.