Explore the map of America 1800, In the year 1800, the United States was a young nation of approximately 5.3 million people, according to census data. The country consisted of 16 states, with its territory reaching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. Thomas Jefferson was elected as the third President, marking the beginning of the Democratic-Republican dominance in American politics. Economically, the nation was largely agrarian, with agriculture being the primary industry. The nation's capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., a newly designated city. This period was also notable for the continuing westward expansion and the complexities it brought, including interactions with Native American tribes.
Explore map of America 1800 to see the political division of United States in 1800 including states, territories, other countries, and disputed territories.
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Key Facts About the United States in 1800
Aspect
Details
Population
5.3 million (approximate)
Number of States
16 states
Capital City
Washington, D.C. (officially became the capital in 1800, moving from Philadelphia)
President
John Adams (Federalist, serving until March 4, 1801, succeeded by Thomas Jefferson)
Vice President
Thomas Jefferson
Main Economy
Agriculture (dominantly subsistence farming), trade, and early industrialization
Key Industries
Cotton, tobacco, and textiles
Transportation
Horse-drawn carriages, sailing ships, and early turnpikes (roads)
Territory
Original 13 states plus Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee
Western territories under U.S. control but sparsely populated
Significant Event
Presidential election of 1800 (John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson, known as the Revolution of 1800)
Foreign Relations
Quasi-War with France (1798-1800) was ongoing but nearing resolution
Major Cities
New York City (~60,000 population)
Philadelphia (~41,000 population)
Boston (~24,000 population)
National Debt
~$83 million
Slavery
Legal and widespread, particularly in the southern states
Judiciary
Judiciary Act of 1801 established additional federal courts
Military
Small standing army (~5,000 soldiers)
Growing naval power with the establishment of the U.S. Navy
United States in 1800
In the year 1800, the United States was a young nation, embarking on its path to growth and development. At this time, the population was approximately 5.3 million people, with a significant portion residing in rural areas. The country consisted of 16 states since the admission of Tennessee into the Union in 1796. Urbanization was on the rise, although cities like New York and Philadelphia were relatively small by modern standards, with populations of around 60,000 and 41,000, respectively.
Economically, the United States was largely agrarian, with the vast majority of individuals engaged in farming. Cotton had become an important cash crop, particularly in the southern states, following the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793. This innovation significantly boosted the productivity and profitability of cotton production. Additionally, industries such as shipbuilding and fishing were integral to the economy, particularly in the New England states.
Politically, the nation witnessed a landmark event with the Election of 1800, often referred to as the "Revolution of 1800". This election saw a peaceful transition of power from the Federalist Party, led by President John Adams, to the Democratic-Republican Party, headed by Thomas Jefferson. It underscored the effectiveness of the United States' electoral system and was a testament to the evolving democratic principles of the nation.
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was a few years away yet under consideration; nevertheless, in 1800, the Mississippi River marked the western boundary of the United States. This frontier was a hub of exploration and settlement, driven by the desire for new land and opportunities. Many settlers moved westward, braving the challenges of the frontier life.
Culturally, education was becoming more accessible, though it was still limited to certain segments of society. Higher education institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and the newly established University of Georgia (1785), were pivotal in shaping the intellectual landscape of the country.
The year 1800 was a period of foundational growth for the United States. It was marked by significant political developments, economic expansion, and gradual urbanization, all of which laid the groundwork for the nation's future evolution.
List of All States in the United States in 1800
State
Year of Admission
Population (1800 Estimate)
Capital (1800)
Region
Delaware
1787
64,273
Dover
Mid-Atlantic
Pennsylvania
1787
602,365
Philadelphia
Mid-Atlantic
New Jersey
1787
211,149
Trenton
Mid-Atlantic
Georgia
1788
162,686
Louisville
Southern
Connecticut
1788
251,002
Hartford
New England
Massachusetts
1788
422,845
Boston
New England
Maryland
1788
341,548
Annapolis
Mid-Atlantic
South Carolina
1788
345,591
Columbia
Southern
New Hampshire
1788
183,858
Concord
New England
Virginia
1788
807,557
Richmond
Southern
New York
1788
589,051
Albany
Mid-Atlantic
North Carolina
1789
478,103
Raleigh
Southern
Rhode Island
1790
69,122
Providence
New England
Vermont
1791
154,465
Montpelier
New England
Kentucky
1792
220,955
Frankfort
Southern
Tennessee
1796
105,602
Knoxville
Southern
List of All Territories in the United States in 1800
Territory
Year Established
Area Covered
Capital
Current States (Derived from Territory)
Northwest Territory
1787
Land north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River
Chillicothe
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota
Mississippi Territory
1798
Land west of Georgia and south of the Tennessee River
Natchez
Mississippi, Alabama
Indiana Territory
1800
Part of the Northwest Territory west of the Ohio-Indiana border
Vincennes
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota
List of Other Countries with Presence in or Influence on the United States in 1800
Country
Regions Controlled or Influenced
Type of Control
Key Facts
Great Britain
Canada (north of the U.S.)
Military forts in U.S. territory until 1796 (e.g., Fort Detroit)
Colonial Control
U.S. achieved independence in 1783, but tensions remained.
British maintained influence in Native American relations in the Northwest Territory.
Spain
Florida (East and West Florida)
Louisiana (until 1800, ceded to France)
Southwestern U.S., including parts of Texas, New Mexico, and California
Colonial Control
Spain controlled the Mississippi River trade until the Pinckney Treaty (1795).
Significant missions and settlements in California.
France
Louisiana Territory (after the Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1800)
Colonial Control (Transferred from Spain)
Louisiana Territory was sparsely populated and later sold to the U.S. in 1803.
Russia
Alaska
Colonial Control
Russian settlements focused on fur trade.
Native American Nations
Various regions across U.S. territories
Independent Societies
Included Cherokee, Iroquois, Sioux, and others.
Played significant roles in U.S. territorial negotiations and conflicts.
List of Disputed Areas in the United States in 1800
Disputed Area
Parties Involved
Nature of Dispute
Resolution (if any by 1800)
Northwest Territory (Ohio River Valley)
United States vs. Native American Tribes
U.S. expansion into the Ohio River Valley was opposed by Native American nations, including the Shawnee and Miami, leading to conflicts.
Treaty of Greenville (1795) established U.S. control but tensions persisted.
Northern Border (Maine)
United States vs. Great Britain
The exact border between Maine (then part of Massachusetts) and British-controlled Canada was unclear and contested.
Resolved later by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842).
Mississippi River Access
United States vs. Spain
Spain controlled navigation rights to the Mississippi River, critical for trade from western territories.
Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) granted U.S. access, resolving the issue before 1800.
West Florida
United States vs. Spain
Spain claimed control over the region, but U.S. settlers and officials considered it part of U.S. territory under the Louisiana Purchase.
Fully annexed by the U.S. in 1819 under the Adams-Onís Treaty.
Louisiana Territory
United States vs. Spain and France
The control of the vast Louisiana Territory shifted from Spain to France in 1800, creating uncertainty about its future ownership.
Purchased by the U.S. from France in 1803 (Louisiana Purchase).
Oregon Country
United States vs. Great Britain
Both nations claimed rights to the Oregon region, which remained unorganized and sparsely populated.
Joint occupation agreement reached later in 1818, formalized in 1846.
Southwestern U.S. (Texas and New Mexico)
United States vs. Spain
Spain maintained control over the region, but U.S. settlers and traders frequently encroached on Spanish land.
Resolved in part by the Adams-Onís Treaty (1819), which defined borders.
