How many years did it take from the first colony gaining statehood, until the 50th state was added to the U.S.?
On December 7, 1787 Delaware became the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution and become a state. Three years later on May 29,1790 Rhode Island, was the last of the original 13 colonies to become a state.
Vermont was the first state added that was not an original colony and it became the 14th state in 1791. Hawaii is the last state to be added when it became the 50th state on Aug 21, 1959.
Hawaii gained statehood 172 years after Delaware became the first state.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
10 Comments
Jas Newman
hayskip, But still, 170 years was the closest option.
Johnny Rock
That's what I counted too.
William Laughlin
John Dommerman,
Delaware WAS the first colony to gain statehood. You are misinterpreting the question.
The question was not, "When did Virginia, the first colony, become a state?"
John Dommerman
The first colony was Virginia, not Delaware. Delaware was the first state, but it was not the first colony. Question was worded poorly.
Tony Smolenski
The "colonies" were states under the Articles of Confederation. That was the reason why the Constitutional Convention had representatives from the already established states.
jjohnson
It is actually 183 years. The original 13 colonies became states in 1776 upon signing the Declaration of Independance. This is the correct answer accordind to the wording of the question.
Joanne Serin
I knew both years and both states, but just had to do the math.
Joanne Serin
Laurie Baum, Delaware joined in 1787 as the first state. That's even its motto, "the first state."
Ellen Chuplis Cole
Too bad reviewers are accused of being too picky about poorly worded questions like this one...first colony... definitely Jamestown... you got it Laurie Baum!
hayskip
Technically speaking, even though Delaware ratified in 1787, they did not become a state until the constitution was ratified by enough states which was 1789. The correct answer of 170 was not offered as a choice.