FLORIDA, the Sunshine State, with its unique peninsula geography and long coastline, has a history shaped by various European powers before becoming part of the United States. While its exploration dates back centuries, the pivotal moment when Florida officially transitioned from a territory to a state occurred in the mid-19th century.
1845: The Year Florida Joined the Union as the 27th State
This article explores the journey to statehood and identifies the specific year Florida joined the Union.
From Spanish Colony to U.S. Territory
Florida was primarily under Spanish control for centuries, serving as a strategic outpost. Following years of negotiation and border disputes, Spain formally ceded Florida to the United States in the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, which was ratified in 1821. Soon after, in 1822, the U.S. Congress established the Florida Territory, creating a formal administrative structure under American governance.
The Path to Statehood
As the population of the Florida Territory grew, fueled by settlers seeking new land and opportunities, the desire for statehood intensified. Following the requirements for territories seeking admission, Florida drafted a state constitution (in 1838) and formally applied to join the Union.
However, the process was complicated by the contentious national debate over slavery. Florida sought admission as a slave state, which required careful political maneuvering in Congress to maintain the delicate balance between free and enslaved person states.
Admission to the Union: March 3, 1845
The balancing act was achieved by pairing Florida's admission with Iowa's, which entered as a free state. On March 3, 1845, President John Tyler signed the congressional act admitting Florida to the Union as the 27th State. This marked the culmination of Florida's territorial period and its official integration into the United States.
The year 1845 stands as the official date when Florida became a state. Its journey from a Spanish colony through a period as a U.S. territory beginning in 1822 culminated on March 3, 1845, with its admission as the 27th State in the Union. This event marked a significant moment in Florida's history and the United States' westward expansion.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of State - Office of the Historian
- Florida Department of State - Division of Historical Resources
- U.S. National Archives
- Florida Historical Society
- Historical accounts of Florida statehood and the Adams-Onís Treaty