On what date was the U.S. Constitution signed, an event connected to America250?

The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, an event connected to America250’s founding-history themes.

The signing occurred during the final session of the Constitutional Convention at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Thirty-nine delegates endorsed the document, which created a stronger federal government to replace the system established by the Articles of Confederation.

Signing did not immediately put the Constitution into effect. Article VII required ratification by conventions in nine of the thirteen states. New Hampshire became the ninth ratifying state on June 21, 1788, and the new federal government began operating under the Constitution on March 4, 1789.

The date is often confused with July 4, 1776, the adoption date of the Declaration of Independence, or June 21, 1788, the date the ninth state ratified the Constitution. September 17 is now observed annually in the United States as Constitution Day.