Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution

On December 7, 1787, delegates gathered at Battell’s Tavern in Dover and voted to adopt the newly drafted U.S. Constitution. The decision was unanimous, 30 to 0, making Delaware the first of the thirteen states to ratify.

The convention moved fast. It had convened only on December 3, and within four days the delegates were done. Delaware’s small size, relatively homogeneous population, and lack of organized opposition meant there was little to argue over; the new federal framework also promised to protect smaller states against larger neighbors.

That speed earned Delaware the lasting nickname “The First State.” Since 1933, its governors have proclaimed December 7 as Delaware Day in honor of the vote. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut followed over the next month, but Delaware’s place at the front of the line was permanent.

Being smallest, for once, made it easiest to agree.