DELAWARE - It's a fascinating piece of American colonial history that often surprises people: Delaware was once governed as part of Pennsylvania. Although William Penn was granted ownership of both territories, the union was fraught with tension from the start. The residents of the "Three Lower Counties on the Delaware" never truly embraced the idea of being Pennsylvanians, leading to a gradual separation that culminated in the birth of the "First State." This is the story of why Delaware left Pennsylvania.
A Union of Uneasy Neighbors
The story begins in 1682 when William Penn received the charter for Pennsylvania. To ensure his new colony had access to the Atlantic Ocean, he also successfully petitioned for the lands that now make up Delaware. These were known as the "Three Lower Counties": New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
From the very beginning, the relationship was thorny. The root of the problem was a fundamental difference in culture, economy, and politics between the two regions:
- A Different Heritage: Before Penn's arrival, the Lower Counties had already been settled by the Swedes, Dutch, and Finns. These residents had a distinct cultural identity and history that differed from the predominantly English Quaker population settling in and around Philadelphia.
- Economic Disagreements: Pennsylvania's economy was largely focused on agriculture and commerce centered in Philadelphia. The Lower Counties had a more diverse economy with a significant focus on tobacco cultivation and maritime trade, giving them different priorities.
- Political and Religious Friction: The Pennsylvania Assembly was dominated by pacifist Quakers. The residents of the coastal Lower Counties, however, were more concerned with defense against pirates and foreign powers and often felt their security needs were ignored by the government in Philadelphia.
The Path to Independence:
The constant friction and the feeling that their interests were being overlooked by the larger, more powerful Pennsylvania contingent led the Lower Counties to demand more autonomy.
Recognizing the deep-seated divisions, William Penn agreed to a compromise. In 1704, he granted the Three Lower Counties the right to form their own separate, independent legislative Assembly. This was the crucial first step toward independence.
For the next seven decades, the two colonies existed in a unique political state: they shared a governor appointed by the Penn family but had two entirely separate governments and legislatures.
The Final Break: The American Revolution
The American Revolution was the final catalyst that severed the remaining ties. As the colonies moved toward independence from Great Britain, the leaders of the Lower Counties saw an opportunity to secure their own sovereignty.
On June 15, 1776, the Assembly of the Lower Counties officially declared that all ties with both Great Britain and Pennsylvania were dissolved. They formally established themselves as the "Delaware State." A few months later, Delaware would further solidify its new identity by becoming the very first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning its famous nickname, "The First State."
Delaware's separation from Pennsylvania was not a single event but a gradual, decades-long process. It was driven by a distinct cultural and economic identity that was never fully compatible with its larger northern neighbor. The creation of a separate Assembly in 1704 paved the way, and the American Revolution provided the final opportunity for the "Three Lower Counties" to become the independent state of Delaware.
Sources:
- The Delaware Public Archives
- The Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- State of Delaware - Official Website
- University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
- Historical accounts of Colonial Pennsylvania and Delaware
