Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the U.S. Constitution in the era commemorated by America250.
Rhode Island approved the Constitution on May 29, 1790, nearly three years after Delaware became the first state to ratify. The final vote was close: 34 delegates voted in favor and 32 opposed. Rhode Island’s decision completed the original thirteen-state ratification sequence.
The Constitution had already taken effect under Article Seven after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788. Rhode Island’s later action therefore did not determine whether the new federal government could begin operating, but it completed the formal process for all thirteen original states.
North Carolina was the penultimate state, ratifying in November 1789. Rhode Island’s delay reflected strong local opposition and concern about federal power, including the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original text.