The United States almost looked very different. At various points in history, several regions declared independence, existed as separate republics, or seriously considered remaining outside the Union.
1. Texas
Before joining the United States in 1845, Texas spent nearly a decade as the independent Republic of Texas.
After winning independence from Mexico in 1836, the republic established its own president, currency, diplomatic relations, and military before eventually voting to join the United States.
2. California
In 1846, a small group of American settlers declared the short-lived California Republic during the Bear Flag Revolt.
The independent republic lasted less than a month before U.S. military forces arrived during the Mexican-American War, after which California became American territory.
3. Vermont
From 1777 until 1791, Vermont operated as the independent Vermont Republic.
It adopted its own constitution, issued currency, and governed itself before becoming the 14th state to join the Union.
4. Hawaii
The Kingdom of Hawaii remained an independent nation recognized by major world powers throughout much of the 19th century.
After the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the islands briefly became the Republic of Hawaii before being annexed by the United States in 1898.
5. The State of Deseret
In 1849, Mormon settlers proposed creating the massive State of Deseret across much of the American Southwest.
Congress rejected the proposal, instead creating the much smaller Utah Territory. Although Deseret never became a country, its proposed borders covered parts of several modern states.
6. West Florida
In 1810, settlers in part of Spanish West Florida declared the independent Republic of West Florida.
The republic survived for only about 90 days before the United States annexed the territory, but for a brief period it existed as its own nation with its own flag and government.
