“Success to the Tobacco Plant” As soon as nine states ratified the Constitution, the Federalists staged spectacular victory celebrations intended to demonstrate national unity behind the new government. Philadelphia’s parade, on July 4, 1788, mobilized several thousand participants marching under occupational banners representing farmers, brewers, tobacconists, lawyers, and others. This banner was carried by the local sellers of tobacco products, who likely applauded a national government empowered to regulate commerce among the states.
Friends of the Thomas Leiper House and the Library Company of Philadelphia.