26. Ratification First Group to Ratify: Delaware (1), Pennsylvania (2), and New Jersey (3) Massachusetts was a battleground state, but did ratify after much debate (6). More states ratified… then New Hampshire (9) The last states to ratify were Virginia, New York, and North Carolina. (10, 11, 12) Finally, Rhode Island ratified as the 13th and final state. The country celebrated; with Philadelphia holding a festival July 4th, 1778 Winter 1787-1788 Into Spring 1788 Summer 1788