How Many States Were There When George Washington Was President?

Since the USA was still in its infancy and actively growing during his terms, George Washington's presidency saw the country expand from 13 original states to 16 by the end of his second term. Understanding this expansion is crucial to understanding the early years of the United States.

Founding and Early Expansion

When George Washington became president in 1789, the United States had only thirteen states. These 13 states were the original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. During his time in office, the nation underwent significant changes, adding three new states to the Union: Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

State Admission Timeline

George Washington's inauguration on April 30, 1789, marked the beginning of his presidency. At that time, eleven states were officially part of the Union: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York. North Carolina did not approve the Constitution until November 1789, and Rhode Island joined the Union on May 29, 1790, just over a year into Washington's presidency.

Ratification Delays

While the Constitution was ratified by eleven states, only eleven of the original 13 colonies had joined the Union at the time of Washington's first inauguration. Two states, North Carolina and Rhode Island, were still in the process of ratifying the Constitution, delaying their official status in the Union. Vermont, although having declared itself an independent state, was not yet recognized by the other states in the Union. Vermont, along with Kentucky and Tennessee, would join the United States during Washington's administration, expanding the country from 13 to 16 states by the end of his second term.

Conclusion

The growth of the United States during George Washington's presidency from 13 to 16 states is a testament to the nation's rapid expansion in its early years. From the original 13 colonies to the addition of Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the country's expansion is a crucial chapter in U.S. history. Understanding this expansion provides insight into the early development of the United States as a nascent nation.