The United States of America is officially 248 years old as of July 4, 2024. This age is counted from the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen original British colonies declared themselves a sovereign nation
. However, the history of the land known as America is much older. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the continent for at least 15,000 years, possibly as far back as 30,000 years before present
. Additionally, European settlements such as Jamestown, established in 1607, mark earlier historical milestones in the region
. In summary:
- Official age of the United States as a country: 248 years (since 1776)
- Indigenous human presence: at least 15,000 years
- First permanent European settlement (Jamestown): 417 years as of 2024
Thus, while the nation of the United States is relatively young, the broader history of the land and its peoples spans thousands of years.
