Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, a founding milestone recalled by America250.
Delaware’s ratifying convention approved the Constitution on December 7, 1787. The vote was unanimous, 30–0, making Delaware the first of the thirteen states to accept the new national framework. This distinction helped inspire Delaware’s nickname, “The First State.”
Pennsylvania ratified five days later, followed by New Jersey and Georgia. The Constitution required approval by conventions in nine states before it could take effect. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788.
Being first to ratify did not mean Delaware had been the first colony to declare independence. Delaware was one of the thirteen original colonies and also sent delegates to the Continental Congress. Its ratification record refers specifically to the Constitution written in 1787, not the Declaration adopted in 1776.