Caesar Rodney

Delaware entered the Union: December 7, 1787

Delaware had three delegates, one of which was Caesar Rodney. When the question of independence was addressed, Rodney was absent, due to being called back to Delaware to suppress a riot. Knowing that America's independence may have died without a vote of confidence from all thirteen colonies, Rodney rode 80 agonizing miles on horseback to cast his vote in Philadelphia. He battled heat, mud, driving rain, and thunderstorms. He arrived at Independence Hall "in his boots and spurs" and covered in mud. Two days later, on July 4th, 1776, he signed the Declaration of Independence.