What was the first state in the USA?

Wondering what was the first state in the USA? This is a tricky question. Here's a clue: the first colony differs from the first official state. Think you know the answer? Take a look at the possible options below and make a guess. Then scroll down to find out if you're right. The answer might surprise you!

American flag (Photo credit: Frankljunior, Depositphotos.com)

a) Delaware
b) New Hampshire
c) Virginia
d) Pennsylvania
e) Connecticut

Scroll down for the answer!

Flag of the original Thirteen Colonies (Photo credit: tab62, Depositphotos.com)

Background

The first colony in the U.S., established in 1607, was Jamestown in Virginia. In spite of this, Virginia was tenth to become an official state.

The 13 colonies, located along the Atlantic Coast of North America, declared independence from the British Empire in 1776. This baker's dozen of colonies were considered members of the United Colonies after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Continental Congress changed the country's name officially to the United States of America in September of that same year.

Delaware's State Flag (Photo credit: fckncg, Depositphotos.com)

First State in the USA

Most sources, including the 50 State Quarters program, recognize statehood according to the dates on which the states accepted the current U.S. Constitution. According to this method, a) Delaware holds the title as the first official U.S. state. It ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787 when all 30 delegates to the Delaware Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution and declared an end to Delaware’s status as a colony of Great Britain. Next up was Delaware's neighbor, Pennsylvania, five days later.

Delaware State Capital (Photo credit: sframe, Depositphotos.com)

History of Delaware

Delaware is so proud of this fact that its official State Nickname is “The First State”. Despite this distinction, Delaware is the only state without any National Park System units such as national parks, seashores, historic sites, battlefields, memorials, and monuments. In terms of geographic size, Delaware is the 49th largest in the nation, outranking only Rhode Island. Delaware is named after Lord de la Warr, the first governor of Virginia. English settlers had settled at Jamestown, Virginia 11 years prior to any white people set foot in Delaware. Want to learn more about the first state in the USA? Take a look at the most popular attractions in Delaware!

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