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.
Statehood
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.
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.