Which of the following was NOT one of the original 13 states?

California is the correct answer because it was not one of the original 13 states that formed the United States. The original 13 states were established during the colonial period and declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. These states include Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, all of which played significant roles in early American history.

California, on the other hand, was part of Mexico until 1848 and became a state much later, in 1850, following the Gold Rush. Therefore, it did not participate in the founding and initial governance of the United States, distinguishing it from the other options listed.