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Maryland–Virginia conference convenes
Delegates representing Maryland and Virginia meet at George Washington's house on Mount Vernon. They inscribe the navigational rights in the states' common waterways. -
Maryland–Virginia conference concludes
Delegates approve on the Mount Vernon Compact, or the agreement on regulating commerce, fishing, and navigation in the waters of the Potomac and Pocomoke Rivers, and Chesapeake Bay. This was the first interstate compact of the US, where Virginia and Maryland both ratified subsequently. -
Conference to address certain defects of the federal government called
Virginia General Assembly calls for an interstate convention. They discuss and develop on agreeing to reverse the protectionist trade and commerce barriers between some states. -
Annapolis Convention convenes
Delegates representing Delaware, New York, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia meet in Annapolis, Maryland. They discuss ways to facilitate commerce between the states and establish standard rules and regulations. -
Convention to discuss revisions to the Articles of Confederation called
The Congress of the Confederation calls a constitutional convention. They meet to revise the Articles of Confederation and reports it to Congress. -
Constitutional Convention scheduled to begin
The constitutional convention is called to order and the delegates start to work. George Washington is elected as the president of the convention. -
Constitution signed and convention adjourns
The Constitution is signed by 39 delegates from 12 states, except for Rhode Island. George Washington was the first one to sign. Interestingly, his signature did not leave enough space for all the delegates to sign, so they had to sign in a second column. -
Proposed Constitution published
The first public copies of the proposed Constitution gets printed by the Pennsylvania Packet in Philadelphia. It is received by Congress two days later. -
First of The Federalist Papers is published
The first of the Federalist Papers was published in The Independent Journal. The authors of the essays hoped to convince New Yorkers to send to the Constitutional Convention delegates. -
Ratification of Delaware
Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the Constitution. The new Constitution was a great solution for the citizens of Delaware struggling with their small size and economy. -
Electoral College convenes
Electors meet to cast their votes. George Washington was elected without opposition and John Adams was elected as vice president. -
United States Congress convenes
The federal government begins operations, as members of the Congress are seated at Federal Hall in New York City. The Senate of eleven states includes 20 Federalists and 2 Anti-Federalists. -
House of Representatives achieves its first quorum
The least people required are present, so they begin their work. Frederick Muhlenberg becomes the Speaker of the House. -
Constitutional amendments proposed by Congress
Twelve articles of amendment to the Constitution are approved by the Senate. Articles Three and Twelve are now known as the Bill of Rights. -
Vermont votes to ratify the Constitution
This is the last step to the complete Ratification of the US Constitution. Vermont votes to ratify the Constitution and to apply for acceptance.
