The Bigger, the Better? A History of America’s Territorial Evolution

The history of the United States has been deeply shaped by its territorial expansion. 

Beginning with the 13 original colonies, the country engaged in a century-long series of land acquisitions that might astound even the most strategic Monopoly player. Each purchase involved varying degrees of diplomacy, conflict, and boldness.

These expansions often overlooked existing inhabitants, aligning with the notion of Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century belief that the United States was somehow destined to extend its territory across North America.

The outcome is a vast nation that stretches from one ocean to the other.

The Original 13 Colonies

The territorial journey of the USA kicked off with the 13 colonies, born not from friendly handshakes but from Britain’s iron grip on the Atlantic coastline. This stretch of land became Britain’s personal ATM, humming with revenue-producing potential.

By 1776, however, these colonies hit their saturation point and independence was declared in a fiery statement. It was also the opening act of America’s love affair with land—a game that didn’t always involve asking politely.

The original colonies—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—laid the foundation for the new nation. 

Organizing Territory Between 1784 and 1803

The Northwest Territory was a region bounded by the Great Lakes to the north, the Ohio River to the south, and the Mississippi River to the west. The area was rich in natural resources and ripe for settlement, basically the 18th-century equivalent of finding a fully stocked fridge.

Formed in 1787 under the so called Northwest Ordinance, it became the United States’ first organized incorporated territory after independence.

Beginning with Ohio in 1803, which was the first state carved out of this region, the Ordinance ensured the orderly transition of land into the Union’s fold.

Over time, this legislation turned the wilderness into actual states like Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. The Northwest Territory was transformed, not just geographically but politically, into a cornerstone of the growing United States. 

Louisiana Purchase

In 1803, the United States executed arguably the most remarkable real estate transaction of the millennium. France, in desperate need of funds due to Napoleon’s continuous wars, sold the Louisiana Territory for $15 million—amounting to less than three cents per acre.

America doubled its geographical size through this single transaction without resorting to military action. This acquisition eventually included present-day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota (partial), North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado (partial), Wyoming (partial), Montana, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

This agreement expanded U.S. territory by 828,000 square miles, ensuring that future cartographers had ample work.

The Oregon Trail and the Westward Ho!

In the mid-1800s, settlers in wagons made their way to the Oregon Territory, drawn by the fertile soil and prospects of a new beginning in what would later become Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

This challenging journey tested endurance immensely but also reinforced the United States’ claim to the area, a claim that was eventually formalized through the Oregon Treaty of 1846. Britain yielded its claim, pushing the nation nearer to the Pacific.

The Mexican-American War

When diplomacy with neigbouring Mexico wasn’t progressing quickly enough in 1846, President James K. Polk sent troops into disputed areas.

This action sparked the Mexican-American War, the conflict stemmed from the annexation of Texas and ongoing border disagreements.

After two years of fighting and numerous casualties, the U.S. emerged victorious, acquiring notable expanses of land.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and The Gadsden Purchase

The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo concluded the conflict, ceding over half of Mexico’s land to the United States. For $15 million, an amount that followed a recognizable trend, the U.S. expanded to include present-day California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and portions of several other states. Furthermore, Mexico relinquished its claims to Texas, establishing the Rio Grande as the border. 

Continuing its territorial ambitions, the U.S. completed the continental map in 1854 with the Gadsden Purchase. This $10 million acquisition from Mexico added parts of southern Arizona and New Mexico, facilitating the construction of a transcontinental railroad. 

Seward’s Folly

In 1867, the United States acquired Alaska from Russia for the sum of $7.2 million. This transaction was widely dubbed “Seward’s Folly” by skeptics. Many believed that Secretary of State William Seward had essentially acquired a frozen wasteland. However, Seward ultimately had the last laugh.

Alaska proved to be a treasure trove, rich in resources. The 600,000-square-mile territory was a source of gold and oil, and it contained enough ice to chill America’s drinks indefinitely.

Russia, perhaps regretting their “yard sale” deal, took the money, while the United States discreetly expanded its holdings.

Hawaii

Hawaii’s journey from a sovereign kingdom to becoming American territory was far from straightforward—more akin to an orchestrated overthrow coupled with legalities.

In 1893, U.S.-backed sugar plantation owners toppled the Hawaiian monarchy.

Five years later, the U.S. annexed Hawaii, incorporating a tropical gem into its dominion.

Official statehood was achieved in 1959, integrating the islands under the Stars and Stripes. Today, Hawaii exists as America’s favored holiday destination and often overlooked state.

A Brief Overview of the Historical Evolution of USA Territory