How Delaware Became a State

Delaware is one of the original 13 colonies and is the second smallest state in the United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and its unique place in American history. Delaware was one of the first states to ratify the United States Constitution, making it the first state in the Union.

Pre-Statehood History

Early Inhabitants of Delaware

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, Delaware was home to several Native American tribes, including the Nanticoke, Lenape, and Susquehannock. These tribes had lived in the region for centuries, and had developed a complex culture and way of life that was deeply intertwined with the land. They relied on the rivers and forests for sustenance, and had a deep spiritual connection to the land. The Lenape, in particular, were known for their strong sense of community and hospitality.

Dutch and Swedish Colonization

In the early 1600s, the Dutch and Swedish began to colonize the region. The Dutch were the first to arrive, and established a trading post in what is now Wilmington. They were soon followed by the Swedes, who established a colony in what is now Philadelphia. The Dutch and Swedish colonies were relatively small and isolated, and their influence on the region was limited.

British Rule in the Region

In 1664, the British seized control of the region from the Dutch, and the area became known as the "Three Lower Counties of Pennsylvania". The British established a strong presence in the region, and began to impose their laws and customs on the local population. They also began to encourage immigration from England and other parts of Europe, and the population of the region began to grow rapidly. In 1704, the Three Lower Counties officially became the Province of Delaware, and the region was officially recognized as a distinct political entity.

The American Revolution

Delaware’s role in the Revolution

Delaware played an important role in the American Revolution. In 1776, Delaware was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the Declaration of Independence. This was a crucial step in the creation of the United States of America. Delaware also provided soldiers and supplies to the Continental Army during the war. The state was also home to many of the Founding Fathers, including Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean. These men were instrumental in the fight for independence and the eventual formation of the United States.

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a momentous occasion for Delaware. On July 4, 1776, Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean signed the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Delaware. This was a significant moment in the history of the United States and Delaware. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a symbol of the colonies’ commitment to freedom and independence from Great Britain. This momentous event was the first step in the formation of the United States of America.

After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Delaware continued to play a major role in the American Revolution. The state provided soldiers and supplies to the Continental Army, and its citizens fought bravely for freedom and independence. After the war, Delaware was one of the first states to ratify the Constitution and become a part of the United States of America. This was a major milestone in the history of Delaware and the United States.

Ratification of the Constitution

Delaware’s role in the ratification process

Delaware played a major role in the ratification process of the Constitution. As the first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware set the precedent for the other states to follow. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, and the Delaware General Assembly voted unanimously in favor of the ratification. This was a major milestone in the process of the formation of the United States of America.

The Delaware General Assembly was very enthusiastic about the Constitution and saw it as an opportunity to create a strong and unified nation. They believed that the Constitution would provide a framework for the nation to grow and thrive. The General Assembly was also very aware of the potential for the Constitution to create a strong central government that could protect the rights of its citizens.

The General Assembly was also aware of the potential for the Constitution to create a strong economy and to promote economic growth. They saw the Constitution as an opportunity to create a strong and prosperous nation.

Signing of the Constitution

The signing of the Constitution was a major milestone in the formation of the United States of America. The Delaware General Assembly voted unanimously in favor of the ratification of the Constitution on December 7, 1787. This was the first state to ratify the Constitution and set the precedent for the other states to follow.

The signing of the Constitution was a major event in Delaware and was celebrated by the citizens of the state. The signing of the Constitution was seen as a major step forward in the formation of the United States of America. The signing of the Constitution was also seen as a major step forward in the protection of the rights of the citizens of the United States.

The signing of the Constitution also had a major impact on the economy of Delaware. The Constitution provided a framework for the nation to grow and thrive economically. The Constitution also provided a framework for the nation to create a strong and prosperous economy. This was seen as a major step forward for the economy of Delaware and the nation as a whole.

The signing of the Constitution was a major event in the formation of the United States of America and was seen as a major step forward in the protection of the rights of its citizens. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution and set the precedent for the other states to follow. This was a major milestone in the formation of the United States of America and the Delaware General Assembly was very enthusiastic about the Constitution.

Becoming a State

Delaware’s statehood bill

On February 12, 1787, Delaware’s statehood bill was passed in the Continental Congress. The bill proposed that Delaware become the first state of the United States of America. It was written by Thomas McKean, the President of the Delaware Convention, and was signed by the delegates of the Convention. The bill proposed that Delaware would be a sovereign state, with its own government and laws, and that it would be part of the union of the United States. The bill also proposed that Delaware would have its own constitution and that it would be a part of the United States Constitution.

Signing of the statehood bill

On December 7, 1787, the statehood bill was signed by the delegates of the Delaware Convention. The signing of the bill marked the official start of Delaware's statehood. It was a momentous occasion for the people of Delaware, as it marked the beginning of their journey to becoming a part of the United States of America. The signing of the bill also marked the beginning of the Constitution of the United States, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. After the signing of the bill, Delaware officially became the first state of the United States of America.

The statehood bill was a major milestone in the history of Delaware, as it marked the beginning of the state's journey to becoming a part of the United States. The bill was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states. The signing of the bill also marked the beginning of the Constitution of the United States, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. After the signing of the bill, Delaware officially became the first state of the United States of America.

The signing of the statehood bill was a momentous occasion for the people of Delaware, as it marked the beginning of their journey to becoming a part of the United States of America. It was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states. The signing of the bill also marked the beginning of the Constitution of the United States, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.

The statehood bill was a major milestone in the history of Delaware, as it marked the beginning of the state's journey to becoming a part of the United States. It was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states. The signing of the bill also marked the beginning of the Constitution of the United States, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. This was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states.

The signing of the statehood bill was a major milestone in the history of Delaware, as it marked the beginning of the state's journey to becoming a part of the United States. It was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states. The signing of the bill also marked the beginning of the Constitution of the United States, as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. This was a major step forward in the process of creating a unified nation, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states. It was also a major step forward in the process of creating a more perfect union, as it was the first step in creating a unified government and laws that would be shared by all the states.