On what date were the United States Constitution’s signing ceremonies completed in Philadelphia?

The signing of the United States Constitution was completed on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Delegates endorsed the document at the final session of the Constitutional Convention.

The convention had met through the summer to replace the Articles of Confederation with a stronger federal system. George Washington presided, James Madison kept detailed notes, and delegates negotiated major compromises involving representation, executive power, and slavery.

Thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution on September 17. Rhode Island did not send delegates to the convention, and several delegates who attended refused to sign the final document. The Constitution still required ratification by conventions in the states before it could take effect.

September 17 is now observed in the United States as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. It should not be confused with July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, or March 4, 1789, when the Constitution’s federal government began operating.