DELAWARE STATE - Delaware, though small in size, holds a monumental place in American history: it was the very first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning it the proud nickname "The First State." But Delaware's story begins long before that pivotal moment in 1787. The seeds of statehood were sown with the establishment of its first European settlement, Lewes, in 1631.
Delaware's Birthplace: Lewes, the First Settlement, and the First State's Legacy
This article explores the intertwined history of Lewes and Delaware, tracing the journey from a Dutch trading post to the birth of a state and its crucial role in the founding of the nation.
Lewes: The First European Foothold (1631)
Delaware's European history begins with a Dutch endeavor. In 1631, Dutch traders established a settlement called Zwaanendael (meaning "Swan Valley") near present-day Lewes, marking the first European settlement in what would become Delaware (Source: Delaware Historical Society, historical accounts of Dutch colonization). This initial settlement, focused on whaling and trade, was short-lived, ending in conflict with the local Native American population. However, it laid the groundwork for future European presence.
A Contested Territory: Shifting Colonial Powers
The area that would become Delaware was subject to competing claims and shifting control among European powers.
- Dutch: After the failure of Zwaanendael, the Dutch maintained a presence in the region, primarily through trading posts.
- Swedes: In 1638, the Swedes established the colony of New Sweden, with its main settlement at Fort Christina (present-day Wilmington).
- English: In 1664, the English seized control of New Netherland (which included parts of present-day Delaware) from the Dutch. The area was later granted to William Penn as part of Pennsylvania, but the "Lower Counties on Delaware" (as Delaware was then known) maintained a separate assembly.
Independence Declared: A Bold Move (1776)
Delaware's path to statehood was distinct. On June 15, 1776, the Assembly of the Lower Counties of Pennsylvania (essentially, the Delaware Assembly) declared its independence from both British rule and Pennsylvanian authority, a bold move that effectively created the state of Delaware, predating the Declaration of Independence by a few weeks (Source: Delaware Public Archives, legislative records of 1776). This act demonstrated Delaware's independent spirit and its commitment to self-governance.
"The First State": Ratifying the Constitution (1787)
Delaware's most famous contribution to American history came with its swift ratification of the U.S. Constitution. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, unanimously approving the document and earning its enduring nickname, "The First State" (Source: U.S. National Archives, records of the Constitutional Convention and ratification). This decisive action played a crucial role in establishing the new nation's framework of government.
A Legacy of Resilience: Native American Presence
It's essential to acknowledge that Delaware, like all American states, was inhabited long before European arrival. Native American tribes, including the Lenape (Delaware) and Nanticoke, had lived in the region for thousands of years before European colonization, with their own distinct cultures, societies, and connections to the land (Source: Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware website, Nanticoke Indian Association website). The arrival of Europeans brought profound and often devastating changes to these Indigenous communities.
The "birthplace" of Delaware is a multifaceted concept. Lewes, as the site of the first European settlement, holds a special place in the state's early history. However, Delaware's statehood is more accurately tied to the 1776 declaration of independence by the Assembly of the Lower Counties and its subsequent ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This swift and unanimous ratification cemented Delaware's place in history as "The First State." Exploring Delaware's history – from its Indigenous roots to its colonial settlements and its pivotal role in the founding of the nation – provides a rich and nuanced understanding of this small but significant state.
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Sources:
- Delaware Historical Society
- Delaware Public Archives
- Legislative records of 1776
- U.S. National Archives
- Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware website
- Nanticoke Indian Association website
- Historical accounts of Dutch colonization
- Historical accounts of New Sweden
