Golden Fleece Tavern Historical Site

The Golden Fleece Tavern no longer exists, but the site on The Green where it stood is marked and remembered as the place where Delaware ratified the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787. The vote made Delaware the First State — a distinction it has retained with quiet pride for nearly two and a half centuries.

In the colonial period, taverns served as the public spaces where political decisions were made and celebrated. The Golden Fleece was one of several taverns on or near The Green that hosted the political conversations of early Delaware. A historical marker on the site explains the story. It is a short walk from the Old State House and is part of the First State Heritage Park trail.

things to do sight
A story
In December 1787, delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern on The Green to ratify the United States Constitution, making Delaware the first state to do so. The vote was unanimous — 30 to 0. The tavern no longer stands, but a historical marker notes the site. Delaware has been trading on this moment ever since, and the First State designation appears on everything from license plates to highway signs.