"The First State" motto
"The First State" is Delaware's official state motto and nickname, derived from its distinction as the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787. The phrase has become central to Delaware's identity and is prominently featured in the state's official seal, government communications, and cultural symbolism. The motto reflects Delaware's historical significance during the founding era of the United States and continues to be used in contemporary state branding and civic pride. Understanding the origins, adoption, and cultural impact of this motto provides insight into Delaware's role in American history and its ongoing relationship with its revolutionary heritage.
History
Delaware's claim to the "First State" designation originates from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. As the smallest state by area and among the least populous at the time, Delaware held a crucial position in the ratification debates, as the Constitution required approval from nine of the thirteen original states to take effect. Delaware's legislature, recognizing the document's importance and seeking to establish the state's influence in the new federal system, moved quickly to schedule a ratification convention. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to formally ratify the Constitution, a mere eleven days after the document was signed by delegates on September 17, 1787.[1]
The adoption of the "First State" motto was not an immediate or formal legislative act following ratification. Rather, the phrase emerged organically as Delawareans recognized the historical significance of their state's pioneering role in the constitutional process. Over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the nickname became increasingly embedded in state consciousness and official communications. The state did not formally enshrine the motto in law until later, but by the twentieth century it had become Delaware's defining slogan and appeared on state materials, promotional literature, and the state seal. The motto symbolized not merely chronological precedence but also Delaware's commitment to the principles of constitutional democracy and federalism that had shaped the nation's founding.
Geography
The geographical context of Delaware's ratification position cannot be overlooked in understanding why the state moved so decisively to ratify the Constitution. Located between Pennsylvania and Maryland on the Delmarva Peninsula, Delaware's position along the Atlantic seaboard made it a transit point for commercial and political communication during the founding era. The state's capital, Dover, and its largest city, Wilmington, were centers of intellectual and political discourse. The relative ease with which Delaware's legislature could convene and the state's smaller size made rapid decision-making feasible, contrasting with larger states that required more complex procedures to organize ratification conventions.[2]
The physical landscape of Delaware, encompassing approximately 2,000 square miles, has historically reinforced the state's identity as a cohesive political unit. Unlike larger states where regional divisions complicated constitutional debates, Delaware's compactness allowed for broader consensus-building among its political leadership. The state's economic dependence on trade and commerce also influenced its support for a strong federal system that could regulate interstate commerce and provide for national defense. This geographical and economic context made Delaware's swift ratification not merely an accident of timing but a reflection of the state's material interests and political organization. The motto "The First State" thus carries geographical significance as a marker of Delaware's distinct position within the original confederation of states.
Culture
The "First State" motto has profoundly shaped Delaware's cultural identity and civic consciousness. The phrase appears on the state flag, adopted in 1913, which features the state coat of arms with "December 7, 1787" inscribed below, explicitly commemorating the ratification date. Schools throughout Delaware teach students about the state's constitutional role, and the motto features prominently in historical curricula and patriotic ceremonies. Delaware Day, observed on December 7 annually, celebrates the state's ratification with parades, educational programs, and civic events that reinforce the "First State" identity to new generations.[3]
The cultural resonance of the motto extends beyond formal state institutions into popular culture and commercial branding. Delaware's license plates have featured "The First State" slogan since 1939, making it visible to travelers and reinforcing the state's identity nationwide. Museums, historical societies, and tourist attractions throughout Delaware utilize the motto to frame the state's contribution to American history. The Bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987 prompted major cultural celebrations across Delaware, with the "First State" designation becoming the centerpiece of commemorative events. Business organizations and nonprofits have adopted the motto as part of their branding, from the First State Bank to various civic and cultural institutions. The motto functions as both a historical marker and a contemporary expression of state pride, connecting past achievement to present identity.
Economy
Delaware's economic development has been historically intertwined with its constitutional significance and the "First State" identity. The state's early establishment as a founding member of the federal union contributed to its development as a commercial and political center during the early national period. Wilmington, in particular, became a hub for manufacturing and commerce, with the DuPont company establishing its headquarters there and becoming one of the nation's largest chemical manufacturers. The "First State" designation provided Delaware with a distinctive identity that helped attract business investment and tourism throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
In contemporary times, the "First State" motto continues to serve economic and marketing purposes. The state's Division of Small Business, Development and Infrastructure uses the motto in promotional materials designed to attract entrepreneurs and companies to Delaware. Tourism campaigns emphasize the state's historical significance and constitutional heritage, with the "First State" identity forming a key component of the state's brand. The motto appears in official economic development literature and helps position Delaware as a state with historical depth and stability. While Delaware's modern economy derives significantly from financial services, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors, the "First State" identity provides cultural continuity and historical legitimacy that appeal to investors, residents, and visitors seeking connection to American founding principles.
Notable People
Delaware's role in producing political figures instrumental in the constitutional founding process contributed to the significance of the "The First State" motto. George Read, John Dickinson, and Jacob Broom were three of Delaware's four delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and their contributions to the framing of the Constitution were substantial. John Dickinson, known as the "Penman of the Revolution," had previously written influential essays opposing British taxation and served as an intellectual leader at the Constitutional Convention despite his ultimate decision not to sign the final document. George Read, who did sign the Constitution, represented Delaware's interests and supported the adoption of the document.[4]
The legacy of these founding figures remains central to Delaware's historical consciousness and the cultural importance of the "First State" motto. Modern Delawareans continue to invoke the names and accomplishments of these founding-era leaders when discussing the state's historical significance. Public buildings, schools, and institutions bear the names of these founders, and their portraits and biographical information are featured prominently in state historical museums and educational materials. The motto "The First State" thus serves as shorthand for Delaware's connection to this distinguished lineage of political leaders and their contributions to American constitutional democracy. Contemporary political leaders in Delaware frequently reference the state's founding heritage when promoting state interests or advocating for policies, demonstrating the enduring relevance of the "First State" identity to modern Delaware politics and culture.