Delaware Ratifies the U.S. Constitution — First State

Delaware's ratification convention at Battell's Tavern in Dover voted unanimously — 30-0 — to ratify the federal Constitution on December 7, 1787, making Delaware the first state in the Union. The convention assembled December 3 and finished in five days. Speed and unanimity reflected Delaware leaders' calculation that equal Senate representation protected small-state interests better than any alternative.