What was the last state to join the US?
Quick answer
Hawaii was the last state to join the United States, becoming the 50th state on August 21, 1959. Alaska became the 49th state earlier the same year, on January 3, 1959. No new states have been added since.
The newest states
| Order | State | Date of statehood |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | Oklahoma | November 16, 1907 |
| 47 | New Mexico | January 6, 1912 |
| 48 | Arizona | February 14, 1912 |
| 49 | Alaska | January 3, 1959 |
| 50 | Hawaii | August 21, 1959 |
From 1912 to 1959, the US had 48 states. The current 50-star flag became official on July 4, 1960.
How Hawaii became a state
- 1893American businessmen overthrow Hawaii’s Queen Liliʻuokalani
- 1898The US annexes Hawaii
- 1900Hawaii becomes a US territory
- 1941Japan attacks Pearl Harbor on Oahu
- 1959Congress passes the Hawaii Admission Act; residents vote overwhelmingly for statehood
In 1993, Congress formally apologized for the US role in overthrowing the Hawaiian Kingdom.
How does a state join?
Under the US Constitution, Congress admits new states. Usually, a territory’s people vote for statehood, write a state constitution, and then Congress passes an admission act signed by the president. Since 1959, places such as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. have debated statehood, but neither has become a state.
The first state
At the other end, Delaware was the first state, ratifying the Constitution on December 7, 1787. See the first state to ratify the Constitution.
Planning a call to the 50th state? Check what time it is in Hawaii.
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