The term "13 states" often refers to the original colonies that formed the United States. These colonies were established along the eastern coast and included Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, and New Hampshire. They declared independence from British rule in 1776. After the American Revolutionary War, these 13 states became the foundation of the United States. They united under the Articles of Confederation and later adopted the U.S. Constitution in 1787, which established a federal government and outlined the rights of citizens.