September 9, 1776
Two months after approving the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress took another important step in defining the new nation. On September 9, 1776, Congress ordered that the term “United Colonies” be replaced by “The United States” in all Continental commissions and other official documents. While the Declaration had proclaimed that the colonies were now “Free and Independent States,” this resolution formally established the name Congress would use for their new political union.
On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, the building now known as Independence Hall. Congress Hall is the separate building next door where the federal Congress met later, from 1790 to 1800.
Congress Voting Independence by Robert Edge Pine and Edward Savage depicts members of the Second Continental Congress inside the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall. Among those represented are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Robert Morris, and John Hancock. Although it portrays the debate over independence rather than the September 9, 1776, naming resolution, it offers one of the most accurate views of what the congressional chamber looked like at the time.
Shown below is the original handwritten entry in the Rough Journal of the Continental Congress for September 9, 1776. Recorded across two pages, it reads: “Resolved, That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the style be altered for the future to ‘The United States.’”
This is a highly significant moment for our country. The Declaration of Independence had already described the colonies as “Free and Independent States” and used “the thirteen united States of America” in its heading. But the September 9, 1776 resolution directed Congress and the Continental government to stop using the old collective name “United Colonies” in commissions and other official instruments. From then on, the government’s formal style became “The United States.”
Congress Officially Adopted the New Nation’s Name on September 9, 1776
It is often described as the moment Congress officially adopted the new nation’s name. More precisely, it standardized the name for government use after independence. The handwritten Rough Journal is especially compelling because it records the actual congressional action as part of the day’s ordinary business. It was not a separately signed ceremonial document, yet its few lines mark the administrative transition from thirteen colonies acting together to states united as a new nation.
“Resolved That in all continental commissions and other instruments where heretofore the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the stile be altered for the future to the ‘United States.’”
Transcription:
Monday, September 9, 1776
“Resolved, That an advance of four months’ pay, being 106⅔ dollars, be made to Monsieur La Marquisie, captain and engineer in the northern army; he to be accountable.
A letter, of the 6th, from General Washington, was laid before Congress and read.
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That 500,000 dollars be sent to the paymaster general, for the use of the army at New York.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to hear the parties on the appeal against the verdict and sentence of condemnation passed against the schooner Thistle and her cargo.
The members chosen: Mr. Stockton, Mr. Huntington, Mr. Paine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Stone.
Resolved, That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words “United Colonies” have been used, the stile be altered for the future to “The United States.”
The Board of War brought in a report, which was read.
Ordered, To lie on the table, to be taken into consideration tomorrow morning.
A memorial from Monsieur Pannetier de la Falconnière was presented and read.
Resolved, That it be referred to the Marine Committee.
Congress proceeded to the election of a quartermaster for the German battalion, the ballots being taken.”
Pretty darn cool piece of American history.
