On this day in 1787, Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thereby becoming the first state of the United States.

Delaware was the first state to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” with its unanimous ratification of the Constitution. So, it’s fitting that the state motto is “Liberty and Independence,” as seen in the state seal depticted below.

Here is the Preamble of The Delaware Constitution:

Through Divine goodness, all people have by nature the rights of worshiping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences, of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring and protecting reputation and property, and in general of obtaining objects suitable to their condition, without injury by one to another; and as these rights are essential to their welfare, for due exercise thereof, power is inherent in them; and therefore all just authority in the institutions of political society is derived from the people, and established with their consent, to advance their happiness; and they may for this end, as circumstances require, from time to time, alter their Constitution of government.