Well, they ceased to be "colonies" when they declared their independence, and
each became its own "state" as in own separate government; hence they were the
"United" states, and of course they were "of America" so they would not be
confused with some other colleciton of united states, like Switzerland or
Holland

Robin Gabriel wrote:

> I know that this is not strictly a VA history questions, but hopefully
> someone will be able to point me in the right direction. I have received a
> letter from a child who wants to know why the US was called the United
> States and not the United Colonies, or some other such name. Is there a
> simple answer to this question?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Robin Gabriel
> Director of Education
> Monticello
>
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> at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html

--
Paul Finkelman
Chapman Distinguished Professor
University of Tulsa College of Law
3120 East 4th Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma  74104-2499

918-631-3706 (office)
918-631-2194 (fax)

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