Thirteen colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, creating the political foundation commemorated by America250.
The colonies were New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Their delegates acted through the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
The phrase “thirteen colonies” describes Britain’s mainland North American colonies that became the original states of the United States. They were not identical in size, economy, religion, or political structure, but all joined the independence movement in 1776.
A common mix-up is confusing the thirteen colonies with the thirteen stripes on the modern US flag. The stripes symbolize those original colonies, while the stars represent the states. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey were among the first colonies to approve independence, while the final congressional vote and formal adoption occurred on July 4, 1776.