Delaware Organized as a State
Delaware, located on the East Coast of the United States, has a rich history of governance that reflects its unique colonial past. Initially influenced by Swedish, Dutch, and English rule, the region became a part of England in 1664. In 1682, William Penn received control over the area, which included Kent, New Castle, and Sussex counties, leading to discontent among the settlers who preferred autonomy from Penn's Pennsylvania colony. This discontent culminated in 1704 when the settlers were granted the ability to form a separate assembly, though they were still governed by Pennsylvania's leadership.
The American Revolution marked a turning point for Delaware, as its residents sought greater self-determination. Despite remaining under Pennsylvania's jurisdiction, Delaware sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress, which declared independence in 1776. Shortly afterward, a constitutional convention convened, leading to the establishment of a government for the newly autonomous state. On September 21, 1776, Delaware officially organized itself as a separate state. This move laid the foundation for Delaware’s significant role in American history, as it became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1787, earning the title of the first state in the Union.
Delaware Organized as a State
Delaware Organized as a State
During the American colonial period, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Great Britain successively ruled the area of what is now Delaware. England gained control of Delaware in 1664, and in 1682 the duke of York gave William Penn (proprietor of the new colony of Pennsylvania) title to the counties of Kent, New Castle, and Sussex, which today comprise the state of Delaware. The settlers in Delaware at the time were not pleased with their inclusion in Penn's colony, and in 1704 Penn allowed them to hold a separate assembly. However, the governor of Pennsylvania continued to administer the so-called Three Lower Counties.
The American Revolution gave Delaware residents the opportunity to determine their own destiny. Although still technically under the jurisdiction of the governor of Pennsylvania, Delaware sent its own delegates to the Second Continental Congress, which declared the independence of the United States in 1776. In the following August a constitutional convention met to form a government for Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties. On September 21, 1776, the convention completed organizing the government for the new and autonomous state of Delaware. Later, in 1787 Delaware had the honor of being the first state to ratify the United States Constitution and consequently won for itself the honor of being the first state of the Union.