On this day, the name "United States of America" becomes official

Thirteen colonies become the United States of America, Sept. 9, 1776

 for a quick read on the history of the name "United States of America."

 to read the resolution approved by the Continental Congress, officially naming the United States.

 to read more about the mysterious "planter" who reportedly first wrote the name "United States of America."

A good lesson on why capitalization matters.

245 years ago today, the United States of America (made up of 13 colonies at the time) was 

 The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress (early governing body of the 13 American colonies & then the new United States).

In the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, "united States of America" is written twice. However, 

"united" is not capitalized, signifying "united" as an adjective rather than part of the name

 - then referred to as "United Colonies."

Yet, "united States of America" stuck; a few months later, the Continental Congress approved the name. 

" ... heretofore the Words, 'United Colonies', have been used, the Stile be altered for th

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress approved a resolution naming the United States. 

The Articles of Confederation first presented to the Continental Congress in July 1776 stated: "THE Name of this Confederacy shall be 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.'" However, the Articles were not ratified (officially approved) until March 1, 1781. 

The person who originally thought of the name "United States of America" remains a mystery. Some recognize Thomas Jefferson as the originator, since he is the author of the Declaration of Independence - where "united States of America" made its first formal appearance. However, an anonymous writer in a series of editorials in a Virginia newspaper months earlier had already used the term repeatedly. Was it Jefferson in disguise? Another Founding Father? Or someone else entirely? No one knows. 

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OTD United States of America 

On this day, the name "United States of America" becomes official

Thirteen colonies become the United States of America, Sept. 9, 1776

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Quick. Concise. Nonpartisan.

Leah Jahn