These houses of worship are older than America. How they outlasted wars, schisms and lawsuits The United States possessed a notable degree of religious diversity even at its inception. In 1776, the year of the country’s declaration of independence, there were 3,228 houses of worship established across the Colonies. This indicates a significant presence of various religious communities predating the formation of the nation.

• The U.S. exhibited religious diversity at its founding.
• There were 3,228 houses of worship in the Colonies in 1776.
• These religious institutions existed prior to the country’s declaration of independence.