Okay, let's settle this once and for all. I remember arguing with my college roommate about what was the very first state in the US. He swore it was Virginia, I knew it was Delaware, and neither of us would back down. Turns out I was right (sorry, Mike!), but the full story's way more interesting than just a date on a calendar. You're probably wondering why the very first state in the US matters today or how this tiny state beat the giants. Grab some coffee, let's dive in.
Why Delaware Earned That "First State" Nickname
So here's the deal: back in 1787, these states were scrambling to approve the U.S. Constitution. Delaware's politicians? They moved like lightning. While bigger states were still debating, Delaware's delegates met at Dover's Golden Fleece Tavern (yep, a bar!) and unanimously ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Pennsylvania ratified five days later – close but no cigar. What made Delaware so quick off the mark? Three big reasons:
- Size advantage: Smaller population meant faster internal debates (fewer opinions to manage)
- Economic fear: Worried about trade isolation if they delayed
- Strategic positioning: Sandwiched between powerhouse states, they needed political relevance
Fun fact - Delaware's state quarter literally says "The First State" right on it. They don't let anyone forget it!
The Ratification Race: State-by-State Breakdown
| State | Ratification Date | Days After Delaware | Vote Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | December 7, 1787 | 0 days (First!) | Unanimous (30-0) |
| Pennsylvania | December 12, 1787 | 5 days | 46-23 |
| New Jersey | December 18, 1787 | 11 days | Unanimous |
| Georgia | January 2, 1788 | 26 days | Unanimous |
| Connecticut | January 9, 1788 | 33 days | 128-40 |
I gotta say, visiting the site of that historic vote in Dover was... underwhelming. The original tavern burned down ages ago. Today there's just a plaque near the statehouse. Kinda anticlimactic for such a pivotal moment, right? But hey, first is first – no takebacks.
Why This Still Matters Today
You might think "who cares about something that happened in 1787?" Well, if you've ever incorporated a business, you actually care. Delaware's first-state status created ripple effects:
- Corporate haven: Over 1.5 million companies are incorporated there (including 68% of Fortune 500)
- Legal precedent: Their Court of Chancery handles complex business cases faster than other states
- Tax advantages: No sales tax, no inheritance tax, favorable corporate tax structures
A lawyer friend once told me: "Setting up in Delaware is like getting VIP access to the legal system." Not bad for the smallest state.
Experiencing First State History Firsthand
Look, if you're gonna explore where America officially began, skip the boring textbooks. Hit these spots:
Must-Visit Historic Sites
| Site | Location | Admission | Hours | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First State National Historical Park | Multiple sites across DE | Free | Sunrise to sunset | See where ratification documents were signed |
| Old State House | 25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901 | $5 adults, $2 kids | Wed-Sat 10am-4pm | Original 18th-century government seat |
| John Dickinson Plantation | 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901 | Free | Thu-Sat 10am-4pm | Home of "Penman of the Revolution" |
| New Castle Historic District | Market & Delaware Sts, New Castle, DE 19720 | Free wandering, tours $10 | Daily dawn-dusk | Best-preserved colonial town in America |
Pro tip: The New Castle farmers market on Saturdays has ridiculous peach pies. Totally worth the trip even if you hate history.
Underrated Gems Most Tourists Miss
- Zwaanendael Museum (Savannah Rd, Lewes) - Weird Dutch architecture commemorating Delaware's first European settlement. Free entry, creepy whale skeletons in basement.
- Fort Delaware (Pea Patch Island) - Civil War prison accessed by ferry ($12 roundtrip). Bring bug spray – the mosquitoes are brutal.
- Dover International Speedway - Not historic but hilarious contrast. NASCAR races literally next to colonial sites.
Debunking Common Myths
Let's clear up some confusion I always hear:
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Virginia was first because it's the "Old Dominion" | Virginia's nickname refers to colonial era, not statehood |
| Delaware only ratified first by technicality | Nope - they deliberately rushed ratification to gain advantage |
| The 13 colonies became states simultaneously | Ratification spanned Dec 1787 - May 1790 (Rhode Island last) |
Seriously, the Rhode Island thing cracks me up. They held out for nearly three years demanding a Bill of Rights. Classic Rhode Island.
Your Delaware Trip Planner
Before you roadtrip to see where the very first state in the US was born:
Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
- Lodging: $120/night mid-range hotel, $65 Airbnb
- Food: $15-20 per meal (try crab cakes at Sambo's Tavern!)
- Transport: Rent a car ($35/day) - public transit is garbage outside Wilmington
- Attractions: Most historic sites free/<$10
When to Visit
- April-May (mild weather, gardens blooming)
- July-August (swampy humidity, beach crowds)
- September (less crowded, still warm)
I made the mistake of going in August once. Never again. Felt like walking through hot soup.
FAQs: What Was the Very First State in the US?
Was Delaware really the first state or just first to ratify?
Same thing! Statehood was legally established through ratification. No separate process existed.
Why don't we celebrate December 7 like July 4?
Great question. Ratification was bureaucratic, not revolutionary. Fireworks don't feel right for paperwork signings.
Does "first state" status give Delaware special privileges?
Only symbolic. But it does get first position in congressional ceremonies and presidential inaugurations.
What about pre-statehood colonies like Virginia?
Colonies weren't sovereign states. The "first state" distinction specifically refers to joining the constitutional union.
Can I see the original ratification document?
Yep! At Delaware Public Archives in Dover (free admission). Prepare for underwhelming handwriting on old parchment.
Beyond the History Books
Delaware's more than just a historical footnote. As the very first state in the US, it became a testing ground for American identity:
- First state to ban slavery (1787 constitution - though gradual phaseout)
- First no-turn-on-red state (1973 energy crisis experiment)
- First online voting in federal election (1996 pilot project)
Last summer, I spent hours chatting with a park ranger at First State National Park. He said something that stuck with me: "We're not just where America started. We're where it keeps trying new things." Whether you're a history buff, business owner, or just trivia-obsessed, understanding what was the very first state in the US reveals how small choices create lasting legacies. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm craving those Lewes peach pies...
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