Ratification Day

Join us in celebrating a cornerstone of American governance on Ratification Day.

JAN14

Thursday, January 14Every year on January 14

days to go

Roots: Ratification of the Treaty of Paris
Vibe: Reflection on democracy and governance
Also on Jan 14: Dress Up Your Pet Day · Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day · World Logic Day
Hashtag: #RatificationDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Read the story

Look up what ratification means and how treaties shape a nation.

WITH FRIENDS

History chat night

Discuss a moment in history that shaped the country over dinner.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Civic minute

Share a short fact about the day in a morning huddle.

Plan ahead

Ratification Day is observed on January 14 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Wed, Jan 14this year

2027Thu, Jan 14

2028Fri, Jan 14

2029Sun, Jan 14

2030Mon, Jan 14

2031Tue, Jan 14

2032Wed, Jan 14

2033Fri, Jan 14

2034Sat, Jan 14

2035Sun, Jan 14

2036Mon, Jan 14

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Fast facts

1784Ratified January 14, 1784, in Annapolis, Maryland

The treaty officially ended the American Revolution

The story

On January 14, 1784, the Confederation Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, officially ending the American Revolution. The treaty secured Great Britain's recognition of the United States as a sovereign nation and defined its boundaries, including the Northwest Territory. Nearly eight years had passed between the Declaration of Independence and this formal end to the war.

Read the full story

The journey to peace took years of careful diplomacy. The Confederation Congress declared the cessation of arms on April 11, 1783, and approved preliminary peace articles on April 15, 1783. American negotiators John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin worked alongside British representatives to reach the agreement. Their efforts culminated in a treaty that secured American independence.

Today, Ratification Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of civic engagement and the responsibility of citizens to uphold democratic values. As we reflect on this foundational moment, it is essential to consider the lessons learned from the past and how they apply to contemporary governance. Each January 14, the Maryland State House commemorates the ratification with a ceremony in its Old Senate Chamber.

As countries around the world strive for democratic governance, the story of American independence continues to inspire movements for freedom and rights. Ratification Day is not only a celebration of American history but also an opportunity to reflect on the global quest for justice, equality, and the rule of law. By honoring this day, we reaffirm our commitment to democracy and the principles that unite us.

Did you know?

Seven States Present

A severe winter meant delegates from only seven of the thirteen states were in Annapolis when Congress took up the treaty.

Nine Were Needed

The Articles of Confederation required nine states to approve a treaty. Delegates from Connecticut and South Carolina arrived at the last moment to make nine.

Three Couriers

Three copies of the ratified treaty were sent by separate couriers to make sure one reached Europe.

Signed in Paris

The treaty was signed on September 3, 1783, at the Hôtel d'York, at present-day 56 Rue Jacob in Paris.

Final Exchange

Britain ratified the treaty on April 9, 1784, and the two nations exchanged ratified copies in Paris on May 12, 1784.

Article 1 Endures

Only Article 1 of the treaty, which acknowledges the United States as free, sovereign and independent, remains in force today.

The Nation's Capitol

The Maryland State House is the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol. Congress met in its Old Senate Chamber from November 26, 1783, to August 13, 1784.