U.S. States

Stretching more than 3,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the United States of America is made up of 50 states, each with its own capital, traditions and history.

Featured Overview

Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images.

Start Here

Hawaii became part of the union more than six decades after an illegal coup ousted the Native Hawaiian monarchy.

Find out how Kentucky became the center of the world’s production of the distinctive corn-based, barrel-aged whiskey.

Explore nine things you may not know about the Lone Star State.

Though mocked by some at the time, the 1867 purchase of Alaska came to be regarded as a masterful deal.

A Tour of 1940s New York City

Flashback: A Tour of 1940s New York City

Experience the sights and sounds of New York City as if you were visiting in the 1940s. A lot has changed since then, but not everything.

2:21m watch

Explore All Related Topics

U.S. States

Unlike the rest of the United States, the two states haven’t changed their clocks in decades.

Connecticut, often called the "Constitution State," joined the Union on January 9, 1788, as the fifth state.

U.S. States

Flashback: Vintage Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanoes in Hawaii have been erupting on and off for thousands of years, and the 1950s were no exception.

2:35m watch
U.S. States

The Most Dangerous Amusement Park of All Time

Kids lost teeth on this ride at Action Park.

9:19m watch
Advertisement
U.S. States

The Creation of America's Highway System

Without the investment in the interstate highway system, America would not be where it is today.

10:10m watch
U.S. States

Rhode Island's Role in Sparking the Revolution

From the Gaspee Affair to declaring freedom before the rest, Rhode Island's revolutionary roots run deep.

0:34m watch
U.S. States

The Haunted History of Block Island

Pirates, shipwrecks and haunted legends once ruled Block Island. Today, its peaceful trails and historic lighthouses tell a different story.

0:34m watch
U.S. States

Flashback: A Tour of 1940s New York City

Experience the sights and sounds of New York City as if you were visiting in the 1940s. A lot has changed since then, but not everything.

2:21m watch
Advertisement
Advertisement
U.S. States

Hawaii Becomes the 50th State

Before becoming the 50th state, Hawaii endured a controversial and long fought battle for statehood.

1:00m watch

Residents in these five states have come up with creative traditions to beat the chill.

Here’s how Sin City evolved through the decades.

The nickname has nothing to do with fruit production.

Advertisement
U.S. States

How Was Hawaii Formed?

Volcanoes hold the key to the origins of the Hawaiian Islands.

2:59m watch
U.S. States

The Alcan Highway

The Alcan Highway connected the Alaskan wilderness to the lower 48 states for the first time.

3:40m watch
U.S. States

The Geologic Creation of Yellowstone

The geological history of Yellowstone National Park dates back to the formation of the North American continent.

3:23m watch

Since New England’s forests regenerated in the 1800s, visitors have been ogling its patchwork of fall colors.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement