The Fifty Guide

Fifty states, one quick guide

Fifty states, fifty capitals, thousands of counties and more stories than any one page can hold. Here are the highlights.

The numbers

50States, from Delaware in 1787 to Hawaii in 1959

1787Delaware ratifies the Constitution and becomes the first state

1959Alaska and Hawaii join the Union, the last two states to do so

3,100+Counties and county equivalents across the country

4States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia

1Smallest state: Rhode Island. Biggest: Alaska, by a mile, or several million

How the states came together

The original thirteen colonies became the first states, with Delaware first to ratify the Constitution in 1787.

The map filled in over the next 172 years, ending with Alaska and Hawaii in 1959.

Every state has its own constitution, governor, legislature and courts, and its own capital city, often not its biggest one.

Nebraska is the only state with a one-chamber legislature.

Most states are divided into counties, though Louisiana calls them parishes and Alaska uses boroughs.

Below the counties sit cities, towns, villages and townships, each with their own way of doing things.

Alaska is by far the biggest state by area; Rhode Island is the smallest.

California has the most people; Wyoming has the fewest.

State fairs, state parks, scenic byways and roadside landmarks make every state worth a visit.

Each state has its own flag, bird, flower and, usually, a nickname to go with them.

News from all fifty

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