How many American states begin with the letter "A"?

The names of four U.S. states begin with the letter "A." The states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona and Arkansas. In addition to the states, the U.S. territory of American Samoa also begins with the letter "A."

Of the four states beginning with the letter "A," Alabama has been in the union the longest, becoming a state in 1819. Alaska is the youngest state on the list, with a statehood admission date of 1959. Arkansas became a state in 1836, and Arizona joined the union in 1912. More state names start with the letters "M" and "N" than any other letters in the alphabet.