Continental Congress officially adopts the name “United States” 250 years ago
On September 9, 1776 the Continental Congress voted to replace “United Colonies” with “United States,” cementing a new national identity.
September 9, 1776 marks the day the Continental Congress formally adopted the title “United States,” discarding the earlier label “United Colonies” in all official commissions and documents. While the phrase had been used sporadically earlier in the year—Stephen Moylan wrote to Joseph Reed about the “United States of America” in January—the September resolution made the new name permanent and capitalized. This linguistic shift reflected the Patriots’ growing confidence that they were fighting for an independent nation rather than merely colonial rights.
By July, the Congress had already drafted a declaration referring to the “thirteen united States of America,” but the September vote solidified the nation’s identity. The change echoed biblical naming traditions, underscoring the founders’ view that a new name signaled a new mission for the emerging country.
Why it matters
Understanding the 1776 name change highlights how language helped forge America's national identity.
In this story
