One of the most prevalent myths surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution is that Delaware was the first state to officially approve the document. However, upon closer examination of historical records and timelines, it becomes evident that this widely-held belief is actually incorrect. In this article, we will debunk the myth of Delaware being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and shed light on the true first state to do so.
The Myth of Delaware: First State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution
The misconception that Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution likely stems from the fact that Delaware acted swiftly in approving the document. On December 7, 1787, Delaware delegates unanimously ratified the Constitution, making it the first state to do so. This quick action by Delaware may have led to the misconception that it was the first state overall to ratify, however, this is not the case.
Despite Delaware’s prompt ratification, it is important to note that several other states had actually ratified the Constitution before Delaware. For instance, both New Hampshire and Massachusetts ratified the Constitution before Delaware did. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788, while Massachusetts followed shortly after on February 6, 1788. These facts clearly debunk the myth that Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Uncovering the True First State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution
The honor of being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution actually belongs to Delaware’s neighbor, New Jersey. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey delegates unanimously ratified the Constitution, making it the true first state to do so. This historical fact is often overlooked in favor of the myth surrounding Delaware, but the evidence is clear that New Jersey was the first to officially approve the Constitution.
It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to historical events such as the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. While Delaware’s quick action may have contributed to the myth surrounding its status as the first state to ratify, the truth remains that New Jersey holds this distinction. By debunking this myth, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the timeline of events surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
In conclusion, the myth that Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution is not supported by historical evidence. Through a closer examination of the timeline of ratification, it becomes clear that New Jersey was actually the first state to approve the Constitution. By dispelling this myth, we can ensure that the historical record accurately reflects the true sequence of events surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.