If you’ve ever wondered what was the first state in the United States, the answer is Delaware. Known proudly as “The First State,” Delaware earned this title by becoming the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The historic event took place on December 7, 1787, making Delaware the first official state in the newly formed United States.
While many Americans know Delaware as the First State, the story behind its historic achievement is much more interesting. Here’s everything you need to know about how Delaware became the nation’s first state and why that distinction still matters today.
Table of Contents
Key Points Summary
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║ – Delaware became the first state on December 7, 1787. ║
║ – It was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. ║
║ – Delaware is officially nicknamed “The First State.” ║
║ – The Constitution required approval from nine states to take effect. ║
║ – Delaware’s quick ratification helped launch the new federal government. ║
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What Was the First State in the United States?
The first state in the United States was Delaware.
Delegates representing Delaware unanimously voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. This decision came just months after delegates from across the young nation completed the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
Because Delaware acted before any other state, it permanently earned the nickname “The First State.”
Today, Delaware proudly features this title on government publications, tourism materials, educational resources, and even vehicle license plates.
Why Did Delaware Become the First State?
Several important factors contributed to Delaware becoming the first state to ratify the Constitution.
Small Population
Delaware was one of the smallest colonies by both land area and population. The Constitution offered smaller states equal representation in the U.S. Senate, giving Delaware confidence that its interests would be protected.
Strong Support for a New Government
Many Delaware leaders believed the Articles of Confederation created a weak national government that struggled to manage trade, defense, and finances. The proposed Constitution promised a stronger and more stable federal system.
Efficient Ratification Process
Unlike some larger states where debates lasted weeks or months, Delaware’s delegates moved quickly.
The state’s constitutional convention met in Dover and voted unanimously in favor of ratification.
When Did Delaware Ratify the Constitution?
Delaware officially ratified the Constitution on:
Date: December 7, 1787
The vote was unanimous:
- 30 delegates voted in favor.
- No delegates voted against ratification.
This unanimous decision demonstrated strong political support for joining the new constitutional government.
The Order of State Ratification
Delaware was only the beginning.
The first states to ratify the Constitution were:
| Order | State | Ratification Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | December 7, 1787 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | December 12, 1787 |
| 3 | New Jersey | December 18, 1787 |
| 4 | Georgia | January 2, 1788 |
| 5 | Connecticut | January 9, 1788 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | February 6, 1788 |
| 7 | Maryland | April 28, 1788 |
| 8 | South Carolina | May 23, 1788 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | June 21, 1788 |
Once New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, the document officially took effect under its own terms.
What Was Happening Before the Constitution?
Although the Articles helped unite the colonies after independence from Great Britain, they created several problems:
- Weak central government
- Limited taxing authority
- Difficulty regulating interstate commerce
- No effective executive branch
- No national judiciary
These weaknesses convinced many leaders that a stronger federal government was necessary.
The Constitutional Convention
In 1787, delegates from twelve of the thirteen states gathered in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Instead, they drafted an entirely new Constitution.
Important features included:
- Separation of powers
- Three branches of government
- Federal system dividing power between states and the national government
- Checks and balances
- Independent judiciary
After signing the Constitution in September 1787, each state needed to decide whether to ratify it.
Why Nine States Were Required
The Constitution established that it would become effective once nine of the thirteen states approved it.
This requirement prevented a single state from blocking the creation of the new government while ensuring broad national support.
Eventually, all thirteen original states ratified the Constitution.
The Last Original State to Ratify
Although Delaware acted first, not every state agreed immediately.
Rhode Island became the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution.
Its ratification occurred on May 29, 1790, more than two years after Delaware’s approval.
Why Delaware Is Called “The First State”
Delaware officially adopted “The First State” as part of its identity because of its historic constitutional milestone.
The nickname reflects:
- First to ratify the Constitution
- First official state under the new Constitution
- Leadership during the nation’s founding
The designation is recognized across government publications, educational materials, and state symbols.
Did Delaware Become the First Colony?
No.
This is a common misconception.
Delaware was not the first English colony in North America.
Earlier colonies included:
- Virginia (Jamestown, established in 1607)
- Massachusetts Bay Colony
- Plymouth Colony
Delaware became the first state, not the first colony.
Interesting Facts About Delaware
It Is the Second Smallest State
Only Rhode Island is smaller by total land area.
Dover Is the Capital
Although Wilmington is the state’s largest city, Dover serves as Delaware’s capital.
No State Sales Tax
Delaware remains one of the few U.S. states without a statewide sales tax.
Corporate Home
More than a million businesses are incorporated in Delaware due to its well-established corporate laws and business-friendly legal system.
Why Delaware’s First-State Status Still Matters
Being the first state is more than a historical curiosity.
Delaware’s rapid ratification helped build momentum for the Constitution during a critical period in American history. Early approval encouraged other states to move forward, ultimately allowing the United States to establish the constitutional government that continues today.
The state’s decision remains one of the defining moments in the nation’s founding and is celebrated annually throughout Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first state in the United States?
Delaware became the first state on December 7, 1787, after becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Why is Delaware called the First State?
It earned the nickname because it was the first state to approve the Constitution.
Was Delaware the first colony?
No. Virginia was the first permanent English colony. Delaware was the first state under the Constitution.
Which state ratified the Constitution last?
Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen states to ratify the Constitution, doing so on May 29, 1790.
How many states had to approve the Constitution?
Nine of the original thirteen states were required for the Constitution to take effect.
Final Thoughts
The answer to what was the first state in the United States is clear: Delaware. Its unanimous decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, secured its permanent place in American history as The First State. More than two centuries later, Delaware’s leadership during the nation’s founding remains a source of pride and an important chapter in the story of the United States.
What do you think is the most fascinating fact about America’s First State? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more U.S. history insights.
