Which United Colony became the First U.S. State?
 |
| ETATS UNIS DE L'AMERIQUE SEPTENTRIONALE avec le Canada et la Floride, an original 18th century copperplate engraved 1783 map of The United States Of America Following the Peace Treaty of 1783 that was dedicated and presented to his Excellence Mr. Benjamin Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the Court of France. - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
Is Delaware truly the First State? The answer lies on its commemorative "state quarter" issued by the U.S. Mint, proudly proclaiming Delaware as the first state. The coin features an iconic depiction of Continental Congress Delegate Caesar Rodney on horseback, making his historic ride to Independence Hall to cast the decisive vote that broke Delaware's 1-to-1 tie on the question of Independence.
On July 2, 1776, Delaware, with two of its three delegates voting in favor and one opposing, joined 11 other colonies in declaring independence from Great Britain. New York abstained from the vote, citing a lack of authorization from their Provincial Congress. This pivotal decision marked a critical step toward the adoption of the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4, 1776.
 |
| Continental Congress Resolution for Independency title section, courtesy of the Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1783; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives - |
Two days later, on July 4th,
these 12 states, with New York still abstaining, passed a second resolution declaring
independence that named their new republic, the United States of
America.
 |
Declaration of Independence Broadside – that is the rare John Dunlap facsimile printing of the Declaration of Independence called the "Lost Copy," which was discovered in 1968 on the dusty shelves of Leary's Book Store in Philadelphia during the closing of that establishment after 132 years in business. This printing was featured by the Freedom Train on its nationwide tour from April 1975 - December 1976 and was seen in 76 cities in the 48 contiguous states during the Bi-Centennial celebration. Notice the heading does not include the word unanimous because New York had agreed to Independency on July 4th - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
The second independence resolution, the Declaration of Independence, was ordered to be engrossed on July 17, 1776, after New York officially approved independence during a session in White Plains, NY, on July 9, 1776. On August 2, 1776, the delegates reconvened at the Philadelphia State House to sign the single engrossed Declaration of Independence, now an enduring global symbol of freedom and democracy. This historic document not only marks the formal birth of the United States but also enshrines the timeless principles embodied in its opening words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
 |
Declaration of Independence William J. Stone 1824 engraving - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
Today, all 50 states celebrate July 4, 1776, as the birthdate of the United States of America. By this reasoning, the first state to vote for independence can rightfully claim the honor of being the first to establish the new United States of America Republic.
 |
Continental Congress Resolution for Independency complete image, courtesy of the Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1783; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives |
The manuscript used on the floor of Independence Hall on July 2, 1776, to record the votes of the 12 colonies reveals the actual order in which each state declared independence. Contrary to popular belief, it was the colony of New Hampshire, not Delaware, that cast the first vote for independence, thereby becoming the first state to join the newly formed republic of 12 independent states united in a Continental Congress.
 |
Continental Congress Resolution for Independency complete image, courtesy of the Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1783; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives |
A century later, during the U.S. Centennial celebrations and the 1876 World's Fair, official publications recognized this historic sequence, listing New Hampshire as the "first state" to declare its independence from Great Britain. This acknowledgment highlights New Hampshire’s pivotal role in initiating the United States' journey toward nationhood.
 |
| - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
 |
The centennial book of the signers: being fac-simile letters of each signer of the Declaration of independence, Brotherhead, William, United States Centennial Exhibition 1876: Philadelphia, Pa. - New Hampshire page - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
 |
Neil Ronk, Senior Guide and Historian of the Christ Church Preservation Trust holds up John Dunlap's 1777 York-Town printing of the 1776 Journals of Congress flanked by NCHC Honors Students. The Journals have been opened to July 2nd 1776, marking the passage of the Resolution for Independency. - For more information visit our National Park and NCHC Partners in the Park Class of 2017website |
Proponents of Delaware’s claim as the first state argue that statehood order should be determined not by the July 2, 1776 votes for the Resolution for Independence, but by the ratification of the U.S. Constitution of 1787. They rightly note that Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, and therefore deserves the title of the first state.
 |
US Constitution Ratification Table for the American Museum, July 1788 issue - Image from the Historic.us Collection
|
However, this argument is challenged by the historical fact that the U.S. Constitution of 1787 was not the first constitution of the United States.
 |
Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1777 Published by Order of Congress by John Dunlap: Philadelphia: 1778. - Image from the Historic.us Collection
|
The Articles of Confederation, adopted by the U.S. Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, and requiring unanimous state ratification, served as the first U.S. Constitution. Under this framework, Virginia became the first state to ratify the Articles on December 16, 1777. If one were to base the "first state" designation on the ratification of the first U.S. Constitution, then Virginia, not Delaware, would claim the title, as the Articles of Confederation were enacted on March 1, 1781, establishing the original constitutional government of the United States. Thus, the debate over the true "first state" depends on whether priority is given to the Resolution for Independence, the Articles of Confederation, or the Constitution of 1787.
 |
| Articles of Confederation Manuscript front page courtesy of the Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1783; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, National Archives |
 |
NCHC Partners in the Park Student primary source exhibit on the second floor of Independence Hall flanked by the National Collegiate Honor’s Council Partners in the Park Independence Hall Class of 2017. The primary sources exhibited include an original 1781 Journals of Congress open to the Articles of Confederation, Owen Biddle's 1779 resignation as United States Lottery Manager, US National Lottery ticket 3rd Class, USCA President Elias Boudinot letter to General Arthur St. Clair regarding the Army mutiny that forced Congress to flee Philadelphia to Princeton, Pennsylvania vs Connecticut 1782 decision manuscript, 1774 Journals of Congress and a 1781 USCA President Thomas McKean letter signed. – For more information visit our National Park and NCHC Partners in the Park Class of 2017website |
If one is to dismiss the July 2, 1776 Resolution for Independence voting order as the determinant for the "first state" and instead look to constitutional orders, Virginia, not Delaware, holds the claim to being the first state under the first U.S. Constitution—the Articles of Confederation, which were enacted on March 1, 1781. This "first state" confusion is epitomized in Delaware’s state quarter, which depicts Caesar Rodney riding to cast a pivotal vote for independence in 1776 while simultaneously asserting Delaware’s first-state status due to its ratification of the U.S. Constitution of 1787 on December 7, 1787—11 years later.
 |
Articles of Confederation Manuscript signature page - courtesy of the Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1783; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, National Archives |
Note in this Articles of Confederation ratification chart that New Hampshire the first state under the 1776 Resolution for Independency, ratified the Articles 7th on March 4th, 1778 while Delaware, the first state under the US Constitution of 1787, was the 12th State ratifying the Articles on February 1, 1779.
 |
Articles of Confederation ratification table - Image from America's Four Republics: The More or Less United States, by Stan Klos |
The reason for this first state confusion is exemplified in the Delaware state Quarter showing Caesar Rodney riding to formulate the United States in 1776 while claiming Delaware’s ratification of the US Constitution of 1787, 11 years later on December 7, 1787, gives them the right to claim first state status.
 |
Northwest Ordinance Article V designating the law for eventually forming the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
This confusion stems
from the fact that the United States was actually the product of four different
republics. The First United American
Republic, the United Colonies of North America governed by a Colonial
Continental Congress.
 |
Articles Of Association names the Continental Congress pass on October 20, 1774 - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
Furthermore, from 1774 to June 1776, the First United American Republic—the United Colonies of North America—functioned under British sovereignty, organizing its currency, military, and political leadership, yet maintained no "first state" status due to its loyalty to the Crown.
The Second United American Republic, birthed on July 2, 1776, with the passage of the Resolution for Independence, formed the United States of America governed by the United States Continental Congress. In this republic, New Hampshire became the "first state" to vote for independence.
The Third United American Republic, the Perpetual Union of the United States of America under the Articles of Confederation, saw Virginia as its "first state" upon ratifying the Articles on December 16, 1777.
Finally, the Fourth United American Republic, the current government under the U.S. Constitution of 1787, recognizes Delaware as its "first state" due to its early ratification of the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
 |
| July 2, 1776 Resolution For Independency vote table - Image from America's Four Republics: The More or Less United States, by Stan Klos |
Thus, each successive American republic—from the United Colonies to the current constitutional government—carries its own definition of a "first state," reflecting the complex and evolving nature of the nation’s history and governance.
So if you are inclined
to believe the United States Republic commenced in 1776, then New Hampshire has
the bragging rights of being the 1st State.
 |
The centennial book of the signers: being fac-simile letters of each signer of the Declaration of independence, Brotherhead, William, United States Centennial Exhibition 1876: Philadelphia, Pa. - Virginia page - Image from the Historic.us Collection |
If, however, you
maintain that the United States of America commenced under the Articles of
Confederation on March 1, 1781 , then
Virginia is your choice for the first State.
 |
| Constitution of 1787 ratification table - Image from America's Four Republics: The More or Less United States, by Stan Klos |
Finally, if you are of
the mind that the USA commenced with the enactment of the Constitution of 1787 on
March 4, 1789, then Delaware is definitely the first state.
New Hampshire’s rightful claim as the first U.S. state rests on its decisive actions and leadership during the formative years of the American Republic. It stands out for two pivotal reasons: its early declaration of independence and its pioneering establishment of a state constitution.
Declaration of Independence:
On July 2, 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to vote in favor of the Resolution for Independence in the Continental Congress. This vote not only aligned it with the movement for independence but also placed it first among the colonies in affirming its break from Great Britain. This act was foundational in creating the United States of America as an independent republic, marking New Hampshire as the inaugural member of this nascent union of states.
First State Constitution:
New Hampshire also set a critical precedent by adopting its own state constitution on January 5, 1776—months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. This was the first constitution explicitly designed to govern an independent American state, demonstrating New Hampshire's leadership in self-governance and its role as a trailblazer in the formation of state-based republican governments. Delaware did not adopt its own constitution until September 1776, following New Hampshire’s example.
Historical and Legal Precedence:
New Hampshire’s early constitution and its first vote for independence underline its proactive role in shaping American independence and governance. While Delaware’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 was an important milestone, it occurred during the Fourth United American Republic under the Constitution of 1787, not during the first two republics governed by the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. New Hampshire’s leadership in both independence and constitutional governance is more representative of a "first state" in the United States' origins.
The Argument Against Delaware:
Delaware bases its claim as the "first state" solely on being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution of 1787 on December 7, 1787. However, this Constitution was the framework for the Fourth United American Republic, established long after the United States declared independence, waged a revolutionary war, and operated under the Articles of Confederation. The accomplishments of the earlier republics cannot be overlooked in defining the first state. If the context of "firstness" includes leadership in independence and constitutional innovation, New Hampshire's contributions are far more significant than Delaware's later procedural ratification.
Conclusion:
New Hampshire, by virtue of being the first to declare independence and the first to establish a state constitution, exemplifies the leadership and vision that defined the early United States. Its proactive actions during the Revolutionary period make a strong case for it to be considered the first U.S. state, preceding Delaware’s later achievements under a different constitutional framework. Thus, New Hampshire’s historical precedence in both independence and governance places it firmly at the forefront of American statehood.
Below is the correct order of US Statehood:
Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents
Continental Congress of the United States Presidents
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
Commander-in-Chief United States of America
Chart Comparing Presidential Powers - Click Here
202-239-1774 | Office
#
|
State
|
Statehood
|
1
|
New Hampshire
|
July 2, 1776
|
2
|
Massachusetts
|
July 2, 1776
|
3
|
Rhode Island
|
July 2, 1776
|
4
|
Connecticut
|
July 2, 1776
|
5
|
New Jersey
|
July 2, 1776
|
6
|
Pennsylvania
|
July 2, 1776
|
7
|
Delaware
|
July 2, 1776
|
8
|
Virginia
|
July 2, 1776
|
9
|
North Carolina
|
July 2, 1776
|
10
|
South Carolina
|
July 2, 1776
|
11
|
Georgia
|
July 2, 1776
|
12
|
Maryland
|
July 2, 1776
|
13
|
New York
|
July 9, 1776
|
14
|
Vermont
|
March 4, 1791
|
15
|
Kentucky
|
June 1, 1792
|
16
|
Tennessee
|
June 1, 1796
|
17
|
Ohio
|
March 1, 1803
|
18
|
Louisiana
|
April 30, 1812
|
19
|
Indiana
|
December 11, 1816
|
20
|
Mississippi
|
December 10, 1817
|
21
|
Illinois
|
December 3, 1818
|
22
|
Alabama
|
December 14, 1819
|
23
|
Maine
|
March 15, 1820
|
24
|
Missouri
|
August 10, 1821
|
25
|
Arkansas
|
June 15, 1836
|
26
|
Michigan
|
January 26, 1837
|
27
|
Florida
|
March 3, 1845
|
28
|
Texas
|
December 29, 1845
|
29
|
Iowa
|
December 28, 1846
|
30
|
Wisconsin
|
May 29, 1848
|
31
|
California
|
September 9, 1850
|
32
|
Minnesota
|
May 11, 1858
|
33
|
Oregon
|
February 14, 1859
|
34
|
Kansas
|
January 29, 1861
|
35
|
West Virginia
|
June 20, 1863
|
36
|
Nevada
|
October 31, 1864
|
37
|
Nebraska
|
March 1, 1867
|
38
|
Colorado
|
August 1, 1876
|
39
|
North Dakota
|
November 2, 1889
|
40
|
South Dakota
|
November 2, 1889
|
41
|
Montana
|
November 8, 1889
|
42
|
Washington
|
November 11, 1889
|
43
|
Idaho
|
July 3, 1890
|
44
|
Wyoming
|
July 10, 1890
|
45
|
Utah
|
January 4, 1896
|
46
|
Oklahoma
|
November 16, 1912
|
47
|
New Mexico
|
January 6, 1912
|
48
|
Arizona
|
February 14, 1912
|
49
|
Alaska
|
January 3, 1959
|
50
|
Hawaii
|
August 21, 1959
|
The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America
George Washington: June 15, 1775 - July 1, 1776
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
Commander-in-Chief United States of America
George Washington: July 2, 1776 - February 28, 1781
Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
Commander-in-Chief United States of America
George Washington: March 2, 1781 - December 23, 1783
Articles of Confederation Congress
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Presidents of the United States of America
 |
|
Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
Secure a unique primary source exhibit and a professional speaker for your next event by reaching out to Historic.us today. Serving a wide range of clients—including Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits, colleges, universities, national conventions, and PR and advertising agencies—we are a premier national exhibitor of primary sources. Our engaging and educational historic displays are crafted to captivate and inform your audience, creating a memorable experience. Join our roster of satisfied clients and see how Historic.us can elevate your event. Contact us to explore options tailored to your audience and objectives!
Historic.us
A Non-profit Corporation
Primary Source Exhibits
Exhibit Inquiries
202-239-1774 | Office
Stan@Historic.us
Website: www.Historic.us
Edited: Open AI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model] - https://chatgpt.com
