Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
Delaware’s convention approved ratification unanimously on December 7, 1787, making it the first of the thirteen states to accept the proposed federal framework. The state later acquired the nickname “The First State” because of this position in the ratification order.
The Constitution required approval by conventions in nine states before it could take effect. Pennsylvania followed Delaware on December 12, and New Jersey became the third state on December 18. Ratification was not unanimous at first: Rhode Island, the last state to ratify, did so on May 29, 1790. Delaware’s early approval helped establish momentum for the new government.