The Change from 'United Colonies' to the 'United States'
Happy birthday, United States! Yes, not on July 2, but the actual birthday of the United States of America is September 9. On this same day at 1776, was the day America was officially called the "United States of America." That new term replaced the "United Colonies," which is how the land was referenced in the Declaration of Independence. Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence, in the history of the United States, a document approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announcing the separation of 13 British colonies of North America from Great Britain. It explained why the Congress on July 2 had "unanimously" resolved by the votes of 12 colonies (with New York abstaining) that "these United Colonies are and ought to be Free and Independent States." Accordingly, the day on which the final separation was officially voted was July 2, although the fourth day, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was ado