Statehood

The process of statehood has been a fundamental part of American history, beginning with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established the requirements for territories to become states. These requirements included a governing body, a constitution aligned with the federal U.S. Constitution, and a population of at least 60,000. Indiana, home state of Benjamin Harrison, followed this path and became a state in 1816. As the 23rd president, Benjamin Harrison had an unprecedented impact on state expansion, admitting six states – North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming – more than any other president in history. Today, the debate over statehood continues, particularly regarding Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Supporters argue that D.C. residents, who pay federal taxes but lack congressional representation, experience modern-day taxation without representation. Opponents cite constitutional concerns and political implications. Harrison valued statehood and voting rights, and while we can’t know how he would handle today’s debates, his legacy of expansion and advocacy for representation remains relevant in the 21st century.