Map of the United States: A Historical Evolution from Colonial Times to Today

June 22, 2018 Alex

Table of Contents

Major Territory Acquisitions That Shaped America
Lesser-Known Facts About U.S. Territorial Growth
The Modern United States
Decorative Map Options for Your Home

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The story of how the United States expanded from a string of colonies along the Atlantic coast to a vast nation stretching across North America is one of the most fascinating aspects of American history. Through historical maps, we can visualize this remarkable transformation.

States and territories of the United States of America — *Credit:* *An animated map created by Reddit user* *Golbwiki* *showcases* *the territorial evolution of the United States from colonial times to the present day.*

Major Territory Acquisitions That Shaped America

The United States grew through several significant land acquisitions, each adding vast new territories that would eventually become states:

1. The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

When Thomas Jefferson negotiated this massive land deal with France for $15 million, it doubled the size of the United States. This single purchase added 828,000 square miles (2,144,520 square kilometers) to the nation.

2. The Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)

This agreement with Spain secured Florida for the United States and established a clear boundary with Spanish territories in the West. The treaty helped resolve long-standing border disputes and strengthened American control of the Southeast.

3. Texas Annexation (1845)

After nine years as an independent republic, Texas joined the Union as the 28th state. This addition brought 389,166 square miles of territory into the United States and significantly altered the balance of power between free and slave states.

4. Mexican Cession (1848)

Following the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded nearly half its territory to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This massive acquisition included California and parts of seven other future states.

Territorial evolution of the U.S.

Lesser-Known Facts About U.S. Territorial Growth

The Gadsden Purchase of 1853 was the last major continental land acquisition, adding parts of southern Arizona and New Mexico for $10 million
Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for just $7.2 million, roughly 2 cents per acre
Hawaii was an independent kingdom until 1893 when American and European business interests overthrew the monarchy

The Modern United States

Today’s United States consists of 50 states and several territories, spanning nearly 3.8 million square miles. The nation’s growth from thirteen colonies to its current size represents one of world history’s most dramatic territorial expansions.