On December 7, 1787, Delaware made history by becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning its nickname "The First State." This small mid-Atlantic colony beat larger states to ratification through strategic decision-making, unity among its delegates, and a progressive vision for the new nation.
When the United States Constitution was drafted in 1787, thirteen former colonies faced a monumental decision about joining the new union. Delaware seized this historic opportunity, becoming the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787-a distinction that earned it the nickname "The First State" and secured its place in American history.
Delaware's swift and unanimous ratification wasn't merely coincidental. It reflected the state's unique position, forward-thinking leadership, and strategic understanding of what the new constitutional government could offer a small state like Delaware.
Delaware's Race to Ratification
Delaware's path to becoming the first state began when the Constitutional Convention concluded on September 17, 1787. The newly drafted Constitution required ratification by at least nine states to take effect. Delaware wasted no time, calling a special convention that convened in Dover on December 3, 1787.
Just four days later, on December 7, Delaware's convention voted unanimously (30-0) to ratify the Constitution. This quick, decisive action allowed Delaware to beat Pennsylvania-which ratified five days later on December 12-and claim the title of First State.
Political Climate Before Ratification
Before the Constitution, Delaware operated under the Articles of Confederation, which proved insufficient for the young nation. As one of the smallest states, Delaware felt particularly vulnerable under this system, which gave each state equal representation but lacked a strong central government.
Delaware had unique concerns that made the Constitution particularly appealing:
- Border disputes with neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland threatened its sovereignty
- The state needed protection from larger states' economic dominance
- Without a unified federal system, Delaware's maritime commerce was at risk
The Articles of Confederation did not provide adequate solutions to these challenges, making Delaware's leaders eager for a stronger federal structure.
Key Delaware Figures in Ratification
Several prominent Delawareans played crucial roles in both drafting and ratifying the Constitution:
- John Dickinson - Known as the "Penman of the Revolution," Dickinson represented Delaware at the Constitutional Convention and strongly advocated for ratification.
- George Read - One of Delaware's signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Read presided over the state's ratification convention.
- Gunning Bedford Jr. - A vocal defender of small states' rights at the Constitutional Convention, Bedford helped ensure the Constitution would protect Delaware's interests.
- Richard Bassett - A delegate to the Constitutional Convention who later became Delaware's Governor and U.S. Senator.
Benefits of Being First
Delaware's first-mover status on ratification brought several advantages:
First, it gave the state significant prestige and symbolic importance in the formation of the new nation. This historical distinction continues to be a point of pride for Delawareans today.
Second, Delaware's quick ratification demonstrated confidence in the new system and encouraged other states to follow suit. This momentum was crucial as ratification faced significant opposition in several states.
Third, by showing such strong support for the Constitution, Delaware positioned itself favorably in the new federal government. Several Delawareans would go on to hold important positions in the early republic.
The Ratification Process
Delaware's ratification process was notably efficient and unified compared to other states. The state assembly called for a special convention on November 10, 1787, less than two months after the Constitution was completed.
The convention delegates were elected on November 26 and gathered in Dover on December 3. After just four days of deliberation-much shorter than many other states-they unanimously approved the Constitution.
This swift action contrasted sharply with the contentious battles that would unfold in states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York, where ratification passed by narrow margins after extensive debate.
Delawareans' Unified Position
Why were Delawareans so unified in their support of the Constitution? Several factors contributed:
- As a small state, Delaware particularly benefited from the Great Compromise, which established equal representation in the Senate while proportional representation in the House.
- Delaware's leaders recognized that a strong federal government would provide protection against larger neighbors.
- The state's commercial interests, particularly shipping and trade, would benefit from unified national policies.
- Delaware had little public debt compared to other states, making the financial provisions of the Constitution less controversial.
Unlike larger states where Anti-Federalist sentiment was strong, Delaware saw broad consensus across its political spectrum in favor of ratification.
Legacy of First State Status
Delaware's status as the First State became official in 1787 but wasn't formally recognized in its nickname until 2002, when President George W. Bush signed a bill approving the state's request for this designation.
Today, Delaware celebrates its First State heritage through numerous historical sites, including:
- The Old State House in Dover, where ratification occurred
- The John Dickinson Plantation, home of the influential "Penman of the Revolution"
- First State National Historical Park, established in 2013
The state's license plates proudly display "The First State" slogan, and December 7 is celebrated as Delaware Day, commemorating the historic ratification.
Delaware's pioneering role in American constitutional history demonstrates how a small state's decisive action can secure a permanent place in the nation's identity. By recognizing the opportunity presented by the Constitution and acting swiftly, Delaware forever earned its distinction as America's First State.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Delaware Became the First State: 7 Historical Facts Most Americans Don't Know
Why is Delaware called the First State?
Delaware is called the First State because it was the first of the thirteen original colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787, with a unanimous vote of 30-0. This historic action made Delaware the first official state in the new union formed under the Constitution.
How quickly did Delaware ratify the Constitution?
Delaware ratified the Constitution extremely quickly. The state convention convened on December 3, 1787, and voted for ratification just four days later on December 7. This was much faster than other states, many of which debated for weeks or months before voting.
Was there any opposition to ratification in Delaware?
Unlike many other states, Delaware had remarkably little opposition to ratification. The vote was unanimous (30-0), reflecting broad consensus among Delaware's political leaders that the Constitution would benefit their small state, particularly through equal representation in the Senate.
What advantages did Delaware gain by being the first to ratify?
Delaware gained prestige and historical significance by being first, which continues to be a source of state pride and identity. The state also demonstrated strong support for the new federal system, positioning Delaware favorably in the early republic and helping build momentum for other states to ratify.
When did Delaware officially get the nickname 'The First State'?
While Delaware has been known informally as the First State since 1787, the nickname wasn't officially recognized by the federal government until 2002, when President George W. Bush signed legislation approving this designation at the state's request.
