Ratification Day

Ratification Day is observed annually on January 14. This American holiday commemorates the anniversary of the official ratification of the Treaty of Paris in 1784. While the physical fighting of the Revolutionary War had largely ceased after the Siege of Yorktown, it was this specific legislative act that legally ended the conflict between Great Britain and the United States. The day celebrates the moment the young nation transitioned from a collection of rebelling colonies into a sovereign and independent entity recognized by the global community.

History of Ratification Day

The history of this day centers on the Confederation Congress meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in September 1783, the document had to be ratified by the American government and returned to England within a strict six-month deadline. However, a severe winter and the limitations of the Articles of Confederation made gathering enough representatives difficult. By early January 1784, only seven of the thirteen states had delegates present, two short of the nine required by law to approve a treaty.

The deadlock was broken just in time when delegates from Connecticut and South Carolina arrived in Annapolis. One representative, Richard Beresford of South Carolina, famously traveled from his sickbed in Philadelphia to ensure his state’s vote was counted. On January 14, 1784, the Congress officially ratified the treaty, and messengers were immediately dispatched on a two-month voyage across the Atlantic to deliver the documents. This narrow success prevented the peace agreement from expiring and secured the legal foundations of American independence.

Why is Ratification Day important?

Ratification Day is important because it marks the definitive legal birth of the United States. While the Declaration of Independence announced the intention to be free, the ratification of the Treaty of Paris forced Great Britain to formally acknowledge that sovereignty. The treaty established the original borders of the nation, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. Without this official approval, the United States would have lacked the standing to engage in international trade, form foreign alliances, or govern its own territory under international law.

This day also serves as a reminder of the fragility of the early American government. The struggle to gather enough delegates in Annapolis highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which lacked the power to compel state attendance or participation. This administrative crisis eventually fueled the movement to draft the U.S. Constitution, leading to a more stable federal structure. Celebrating Ratification Day allows citizens to reflect on the persistence of the founding generation and the complex diplomatic efforts required to turn a military victory into a lasting peace.

• The day signifies the official conclusion of the American Revolutionary War.
• It confirms the international recognition of the United States as a sovereign power.
• The observance highlights the importance of diplomacy in maintaining national security.
• It marks the establishment of the first official boundaries of the new nation.
• The day honors the commitment of delegates who traveled through harsh conditions to vote.

How to Celebrate Ratification Day

The most traditional way to celebrate is by visiting the Maryland State House in Annapolis, which is the only state house to have served as the nation’s capital. Every year on January 14, the building hosts a ceremony in the Old Senate Chamber, the exact room where the treaty was ratified. A special flag is raised over the building, featuring a design used in 1784 that includes twelve stars in a circle with one star in the center. Visitors can view historical exhibits and listen to speakers discuss the dramatic events of that cold winter in the 1780s.

For those outside of Maryland, the day can be observed by exploring the text of the Treaty of Paris and the proclamations issued by the Confederation Congress. Many educators use the day to teach students about the “Peace of Paris” and the roles of negotiators like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. Flying the American flag is a common tribute, as is visiting museums dedicated to the American Revolution. It is a day to appreciate the rule of law and the formal processes that sustain a democratic republic.

• Visit a local history museum to learn about the Treaty of Paris.
• Fly the American flag to honor the formal end of the Revolution.
• Read the original proclamation of peace issued by the Confederation Congress.
• Research the “sickbed” journey of Richard Beresford and other dedicated delegates.
• Watch a documentary or historical reenactment of the events in Annapolis.

Ratification Day Dates Table