For 16 months, America wasn't called the United States — it was the 'United Colonies'. Some even wanted to call it the “United States of Alleghania”

The United States was once known as the United Colonies during its revolution. Official documents began using 'United States' in September 1776. Alternative names like Columbia and Appalachia were also considered. The Articles of Confederation emphasized state sovereignty over national unity. The Constitution later shifted this balance towards a unified people.