As one of the 13 original colonies and the birthplace of the Revolutionary War, Massachusetts has cemented its role as a significant contributor to United States history.
In fact, the historic state is home to many of the country’s “firsts,” including the first college, first lighthouse, first hotel and first park. However, though it may seem like it, when it came to forming the United States after declaring independence from Britain, Massachusetts was actually not the first state to join.
Here’s a brief history of when Massachusetts became a state.
Was Massachusetts the first state?
Massachusetts was the sixth state to join the Union.
However, Massachusetts is home to the second colony to be founded of the original 13 colonies, meaning the state’s foundations are older than most. Plymouth Colony was founded by the Pilgrims in 1620, just 13 years after the country’s first colony in Jamestown, Virginia. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by the Puritans in 1630, and the two colonies merged to become the Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1691.
Plymouth history: The oldest town in MA is older than the country. Here’s where it is
When did Massachusetts join the United States?
Massachusetts ratified the U.S. Constitution on February 6, 1788, according to the Census Bureau.
Originally, Maine was recognized as a part of the state of Massachusetts, until Maine was admitted to the Union as a separate state in 1820.
To this day, Massachusetts is one of four states legally described as a commonwealth, a term originally used by John Adams in the state’s own constitution from 1780.
MA revolutionary history: 1775 was a big year in MA history. What events celebrate their 250th anniversary this year
What was the first state?
On Dec. 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, according to the official website for the state. Delaware has since been nicknamed “The First State.”
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: When did Massachusetts become a state? Here’s a brief history