Name Three of the Original 13 States

Name three of the original 13 states. The 13 original states were the colonies that declared independence from Britain in 1776 and became the first states of the United States. For the citizenship test, you can name any three of these 13:

New England:

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut

Middle:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware

Southern:

• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

Any three of these 13 are correct answers. Choose three that are easy for you to remember.

The Essential Facts

For the citizenship test, memorize any three of the original 13 states. Easy combinations to remember:

Geographic: New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia (major states from different regions)

Alphabetical start: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia (first alphabetically)

Largest: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts (largest by population in 1776)

Most important: Virginia, Massachusetts, New York (crucial to Revolution and founding)

The 13 colonies became states when they declared independence in 1776. They remained the only states until Vermont joined in 1791. Today there are 50 states, but these 13 were the original founding states.

The Original 13 States Listed

Here are all 13 original states with basic information:

1. Delaware:

• First state to ratify the Constitution (December 7, 1787)
• Smallest original state by area
• Originally settled by Swedes, then Dutch, then English

2. Pennsylvania:

• Founded by William Penn for Quakers (1681)
• Philadelphia was the national capital 1790-1800
• Site of Constitutional Convention (1787)

3. New Jersey:

• Taken from Dutch by England (1664)
• Crucial battlefield state during Revolution
• Many important Revolutionary War battles fought here

4. Georgia:

• Last of 13 colonies founded (1733)
• Originally founded as buffer against Spanish Florida
• Smallest population of original 13 at independence

5. Connecticut:

• Founded by Massachusetts colonists (1636)
• Charter colony with significant self-government
• Strong Puritan influence

6. Massachusetts:

• Plymouth founded 1620, Massachusetts Bay 1630
• Center of colonial resistance to Britain
• Boston Tea Party and early Revolutionary battles here

7. Maryland:

• Founded by Lord Baltimore for Catholics (1634)
• Toleration Act (1649) granted religious freedom
• Borders divided North and South

8. South Carolina:

• Split from North Carolina (1712)
• Wealthy plantation economy
• Charleston was major colonial city

9. New Hampshire:

• Separated from Massachusetts (1680s)
• First to establish independent state government (1776)
• First to ratify the Constitution after Delaware

10. Virginia:

• First permanent English colony, Jamestown (1607)
• Largest state by population and area
• Home to many founders: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe

11. New York:

• Originally Dutch New Amsterdam, seized by England (1664)
• New York City was important colonial and early U.S. capital
• Strategic location made it valuable

12. North Carolina:

• Settled by Virginians moving south (1650s)
• Split from South Carolina (1712)
• First to instruct delegates to vote for independence (April 1776)

13. Rhode Island:

• Founded by Roger Williams after expelled from Massachusetts (1636)
• Most religiously tolerant colony
• Last to ratify Constitution (1790), worried about federal power

Why These 13 Became States

The 13 colonies became states through the Revolutionary process:

Declaration of Independence (1776):
When the 13 colonies declared independence on July 4, 1776, they became “Free and Independent States.” The Declaration specifically says: “These United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.”

State Constitutions:
Each colony created its own state constitution establishing a state government. Some did this before July 4, 1776 (New Hampshire, South Carolina, Virginia). Others created constitutions during or after independence.

Articles of Confederation (1781):
The 13 states joined together under the Articles of Confederation, which created “a firm league of friendship” between the states. Each state retained sovereignty but cooperated for defense and foreign relations.

U.S. Constitution (1788-1790):
The states ratified the new Constitution between 1788-1790, creating “a more perfect Union.” The states gave up some sovereignty to create a stronger federal government but retained significant powers.

The colonies-turned-states created America. Without these 13 working together, there would be no United States.

Regional Differences

The 13 states had distinct regional characteristics:

New England (4 states):

• Economy: Fishing, shipbuilding, trade, small farms
• Religion: Puritan influence, Congregational churches
• Society: Towns centered on village greens and churches
• Education: Strong emphasis on literacy and education
• Slavery: Less common than in South, abolished earlier

Middle States (4 states):

• Economy: Grain farming (“breadbasket colonies”), diverse crafts and trades
• Religion: Very diverse—Quakers, Catholics, Jews, many Protestant groups
• Society: Mix of ethnic groups—English, Dutch, German, Scots-Irish
• Cities: Major cities New York and Philadelphia
• Slavery: Existed but less central than South, abolished gradually after Revolution

Southern States (5 states):

• Economy: Plantation agriculture—tobacco, rice, indigo, later cotton
• Religion: Anglican (Church of England), later diverse
• Society: Wealthy planter class, many small farmers, large enslaved population
• Slavery: Central to economy and society, lasted until 1865
• Rural: Fewer cities, more dispersed settlement

These regional differences shaped American politics. Conflicts between North and South over slavery, economy, and culture eventually led to Civil War.

Size and Population in 1776

The 13 states varied greatly in size and population:

Largest by Population (1776):

1. Virginia (~450,000 including enslaved people)
2. Pennsylvania (~240,000)
3. Massachusetts (~235,000)
4. North Carolina (~200,000)
5. Maryland (~165,000)

Smallest by Population:

1. Georgia (~23,000)
2. Delaware (~35,000)
3. Rhode Island (~52,000)

Total Population:
About 2.5 million people lived in the 13 colonies in 1776, including about 500,000 enslaved people. Most lived in rural areas; only about 5% lived in cities.

Largest Cities (1776):

1. Philadelphia (~40,000)
2. New York (~25,000)
3. Boston (~16,000)
4. Charleston (~12,000)

These populations were tiny compared to today. The entire United States in 1776 had fewer people than modern Los Angeles.

Importance During Revolution

Different states played different roles in the Revolution:

Massachusetts:
The Revolution began here with battles at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill (1775). Boston Massacre and Tea Party also occurred here. Massachusetts was the center of colonial resistance.

Virginia:
George Washington (commander of Continental Army) was from Virginia. Many other key leaders were Virginians. Virginia contributed soldiers and supplies crucial to victory.

New York:
Important battles fought here. New York City was British headquarters during most of the war. Control of the Hudson River was strategically vital.

Pennsylvania:
Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Valley Forge (where Continental Army wintered 1777-1778) was in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia was the Revolution’s political center.

South Carolina:
Heavy fighting in the South, especially South Carolina. Key battles at Charleston, Camden, Kings Mountain, and Cowpens. Southern campaign was crucial to victory.

New Jersey:
Called the “Crossroads of the Revolution.” Washington crossed the Delaware from Pennsylvania to New Jersey for the Battle of Trenton. Many battles fought here.

All 13 states contributed to victory, though some saw more fighting or provided more resources than others.

How the 13 Became 50

The United States grew from 13 to 50 states:

1791-1959:
37 states were added:

• Vermont (1791), Kentucky (1792), Tennessee (1796) were first additions
• Western expansion added many states: Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Cession, Texas, Oregon
• Alaska and Hawaii (1959) were last states admitted

Why Only 13 Were “Original”:
The 13 original states were the colonies that declared independence and created the United States. All later states joined an already-existing nation. The original 13 founded America; the other 37 joined America.

Constitutional Process:
Article IV of the Constitution establishes how new states are admitted. Congress must approve. Each state gets equal representation in the Senate (2 senators) regardless of size.

Symbolism of the 13 Original States

The number 13 appears throughout American symbolism:

U.S. Flag:

• 13 stripes (alternating red and white) represent the original 13 states
• Stars represent current states (50 stars today)

Great Seal:

• 13 stars above the eagle
• 13 stripes on the shield
• 13 arrows in the eagle’s left talon
• 13 olive branch leaves in right talon
• E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One) has 13 letters
• Pyramid on reverse has 13 steps

These symbols honor the original 13 states that founded the nation.

Why Learning the 13 Matters

Understanding the original 13 states matters because:

Historical Foundation:
These states created America. Understanding them helps understand American founding and development.

Regional Diversity:
The 13 states’ regional differences (North, Middle, South) shaped American politics and culture. These divisions continue influencing American society.

Federalism:
The 13 states created a federal system balancing state and national power. Understanding this original arrangement helps understand American government.

Constitutional Basis:
The Constitution was created by these 13 states. Many constitutional provisions reflect compromises between them.

Cultural Identity:
Many Americans identify with their state as well as the nation. State pride and identity began with the original 13.

Connections That Matter

Understanding the original 13 states connects to the Declaration of Independence. These 13 colonies declared independence together, creating the United States.

The 13 states relate to the Constitution. The Constitution was written by representatives of these states to create “a more perfect Union” than the Articles of Confederation provided.

The original states also connect to the Civil War. Regional differences between Northern and Southern states led to conflict over slavery, ultimately causing the Civil War (1861-1865).

For more on the colonies, see our article on British colonies in the uscis-questions category. To understand the founding, read about the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. To learn about regional differences, explore articles on the Civil War and American history.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Which three should I memorize?
Choose any three that are easy for you. Popular choices: New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia (large, important states). Or: Massachusetts, Virginia, Georgia (North, Middle, South). Or just three you can easily remember.

Were these the only states until when?
Until Vermont joined in 1791. For 15 years (1776-1791), these 13 were the only states.

Which state was most important?
Hard to say. Virginia provided the most leaders (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe). Pennsylvania hosted the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. Massachusetts was the center of early resistance. All played crucial roles.

Why did Delaware ratify first?
Delaware wanted to secure its independence from larger neighbors (Pennsylvania, Maryland). Ratifying first ensured Delaware would be recognized as a separate state in the new nation.

Which state almost didn’t join?
Rhode Island. It was the last to ratify the Constitution (1790), worried about losing autonomy. It finally joined after the other 12 were already functioning under the Constitution.

Did all 13 fight equally in the Revolution?
No. Some saw more fighting (New York, New Jersey, South Carolina). Some contributed more soldiers and supplies (Virginia, Massachusetts). But all supported independence.

Were the 13 always united?
No. They had disputes over boundaries, trade, and other issues. Creating unity required compromises. The Constitution was partly needed because the 13 states struggled to work together under the Articles of Confederation.

Which was the largest state?
Virginia by both population and land area. It was by far the most populous and included what is now West Virginia and Kentucky.

Did all 13 have slavery?
Yes, in the colonial period. But Northern states began abolishing slavery after the Revolution. By 1804, all Northern states had passed gradual abolition laws. Southern states kept slavery until the Civil War.

What should I memorize for the citizenship test?
Any three of the original 13 states. Choose three you can easily remember. Practice saying them aloud. The test accepts any three correct answers from the 13.