Isn't "that" superfluous?

[teleostomi]

Before the United States was formed there were thirteen original colonies and that when the US was formed, these colonies became the first thirteen states.
Don't you think this "that" is superfluous?

[Rusty]

Before the United States was formed there were thirteen original colonies and that when the US was formed, these colonies became the first thirteen states.Don't you think this "that" is superfluous?
As the sentence stands that is an error. If this is an excerpt taken out of context there may be a reason for that, but I can't think of one at the moment.

[Beery]

Before the United States was formed there were thirteen original colonies and that when the US was formed, these colonies became the first thirteen states.Don't you think this "that" is superfluous?

It's superfluous unless the full sentence goes something like this:

"It is said that before the United States was formed there were thirteen original colonies and that when the US was formed, these colonies became the first thirteen states."

Also, isn't 'United States' plural? Shouldn't it be "...before the United States were formed..."? Maybe since the US is a singular entity that negates the plurality of its title - I don't know.

[Rusty]

It's superfluous unless the full sentence goes something like this:

"It is said that before the United States was formed there were thirteen original colonies and that when the US was formed, these colonies became the first thirteen states."

Also, isn't 'United States' plural? Shouldn't it be "...before the United States were formed..."? Maybe since the US is a singular entity that negates the plurality of its title - I don't know.
1. Thank you for the example, Beery. That's the sort of sentence I had in mind.
2. (The) United States is considered as a single unit. A singular verb is needed.

[teleostomi]

Thanks!
Very helpful you both are!