Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, an early milestone in the nation commemorated by America250.
Delaware’s convention unanimously ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Because the convention voted first and without opposition, Delaware later became known as “The First State.” Its position in the ratification sequence gave it a prominent place in the story of the new federal government.
The Constitution required ratification by nine states before it could take effect among the ratifying states. New Jersey became the third state to ratify, while New Hampshire became the crucial ninth state in June 1788. The Constitution formally began operating in 1789.
Delaware’s first-place status refers specifically to ratification, not to being the first colony to declare independence or the first state admitted to the Union. Delaware had declared independence from Pennsylvania in 1776 and entered the Union as one of the original thirteen states.