A Founding Father's Birthday and a State's Birthright: December 7th, 1787

December 7th, 1787, is a day that will be etched in American history as a turning point in the young nation's journey towards unity and stability. On this day, Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, marking a significant milestone in the country's development.

A Founding Father's Birthday

But December 7th, 1787, also holds a special significance in the life of Noah Webster, a renowned American lexicographer, textbook author, and linguist. Born on this day in 1758, Webster would go on to make instrumental contributions to the standardization of American English, publishing his iconic An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828.

Delaware's Historic Vote

In a unanimous decision, the Delaware General Assembly voted to ratify the United States Constitution, making it the first state to do so. This historic vote not only demonstrated Delaware's commitment to the fledgling nation but also set a precedent for the remaining states to follow.

A New Era of Unity

The ratification of the Constitution marked a major step towards national unity, as it established a strong federal government and defined the relationship between the government and its citizens. This momentous occasion paved the way for the creation of a more centralized government, which would go on to shape the course of American history.

Other Notable Events

• The first edition of The Pittsburgh Gazette, one of the first newspapers west of the Allegheny Mountains, was published on this day.
• The first African American Masonic lodge, African Lodge No. 459, was established in Boston, Massachusetts.

December 7th, 1787, will always be remembered as a day of great significance in American history, marking the beginning of a new era of unity and setting the stage for the growth of a strong, centralized government.