United Colonies and States Congressional Capitols: York Town Court House

United Colonies and States Congressional Capitols: York Town Court House
Pages
City Tavern
Carpenters’ Hall
Pennsylvania State House
Henry Fite House
Lancaster Court House
York Town Court House
College Hall
Prospect House
Nassau Hall
Maryland State House
French Arms Tavern
New York City Hall
Walter Livingston House
Federal Hall
Congress Hall
U.S. Capitols of Washington, DC
Feds Finally Agree: Samuel Huntington 1st USCA President
Fraunces Tavern
Capitols Calendar
York Town Court House
York-Town Court House
York, Pennsylvania
September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778
No Longer Standing
Replica Built 1976
205 W Market St
York, PA 17401
York-Town Court House  York, Pennsylvania  September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778
When the Continental Congress relocated to York-Town (modern-day York, Pennsylvania) on September 30, 1777, the delegates faced not only the logistical challenges of displacement but also the immense pressures of governance during a critical juncture in the Revolutionary War. Their flight from Philadelphia to York was prompted by the British capture of the capital on September 26, 1777. The Susquehanna River offered a natural barrier against British advances, making York a safer location for Congress to continue its work.
John Adams, reflecting on the arduous journey, wrote to Abigail Adams, describing the circuitous route Congress took to transport their papers and ensure their safety:
"Easton We went to Bethlehem, from thence to Reading, from thence to Lancaster, and from thence to this Town, which is about a dozen Miles over the Susquehannah River. -- Here Congress is to sit. In order to convey the Papers, with safety, which are of more Importance than all the Members, We were induced to take this Circuit, which is near 180 Miles, whereas this Town by the directest Road is not more than 88 Miles from Philadelphia. This Tour has given me an Opportunity of seeing many Parts of this Country, which I never saw before."
While in York, the Congress undertook one of its most significant tasks: finalizing the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. This document would define the structure of the new government and lay the foundation for its operations. The atmosphere in York was charged with a mix of urgency and anxiety, as the delegates awaited news from the ongoing Battle of Saratoga, where the fate of the Continental Army and the prospects for foreign aid hung in the balance.
The work schedule in York was grueling. Delegates typically met from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., recessed until 4 p.m., and then reconvened for evening sessions that often stretched late into the night. Committee duties occupied much of their remaining time. John Hancock, then President of Congress, expressed his exhaustion in a letter to his wife Dorothy:
"I sat in the Chair yesterday & Conducted the Business Eight hours, which is too much, and after that had the Business of my office to attend to as usual … I cannot Stand it much longer in this way."
For many delegates, the prolonged separation from their families weighed heavily. John Adams confided in a letter to Abigail:
"War has no Charms for me … If I live much longer in Banishment, I shall scarcely know my own Children. Tell my little ones, that if they will be very good, Pappa will come home."
Not all impressions of York were positive. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a Maryland delegate, initially criticized the Congress for being a "noisy, empty & talkative assembly it always was since I have known it." However, the dire circumstances and the recognition that a unanimously ratified Confederation Constitution was essential to securing foreign aid began to shift the tone. Carroll later acknowledged that crafting the Articles of Confederation had the potential to "give us great strength & new vigor."
Despite the challenges, the delegates’ work in York was prodigious. The Articles of Confederation, finalized and adopted on November 15, 1777, marked a critical step toward unifying the states under a central government, even if its limitations would later prompt the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The Congress’s tenure in York also underscored the resilience and dedication of its members, who carried on the work of nation-building under the strain of war, displacement, and personal sacrifice.
York’s historical significance lies not only in its role as a temporary capital but also as the site where the vision of a united, independent America began to take tangible shape. The delegates’ efforts in York, coupled with the pivotal victory at Saratoga, invigorated the Revolutionary cause, ultimately ensuring that their work would not be in vain.
Continental Congress Legislation passed at York-Town Court House:
September 30, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress reconvenes in York, Pennsylvania, establishing it as the temporary seat of government.
October 1777
October 1, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress resolves to meet twice daily, reflecting the urgency of the military and political crises facing the fledgling government.
October 2, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress authorizes delegates to draw provisions from Continental commissaries, ensuring they are supplied during their stay in York.
October 4, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress commends several officers for bravery in defending against British General John Burgoyne’s northern invasion, acknowledging the critical efforts in upstate New York where American forces were halting Burgoyne's advance.
October 7, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress debates the "mode of voting" under the draft Articles of Confederation. Discussions focus on how votes would be allocated among the states in the new government framework.
October 8, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress adopts penalties for individuals "communicating" with the enemy, cracking down on spies and those who provided intelligence to British forces. Congress also commends General Washington for the "brave exertions" of his army in the Battle of Germantown, even though the battle ended in an American defeat.
October 9-14, 1777:
Congress debates various taxation proposals under the draft Articles of Confederation. This is part of the ongoing struggle to create a functional financial system to support the war effort.
October 15, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress debates the powers of the Continental Congress under the draft Articles of Confederation. These debates are crucial in defining the balance of power between the central government and the states.
October 17, 1777 (Friday):
Congress reorganizes the Board of War, the body responsible for overseeing military operations. The reorganization is part of efforts to improve the efficiency and oversight of the war effort.
October 20, 1777 (Monday):
Congress exonerates General John Sullivan for the failure of his Staten Island expedition, clearing him of blame after a formal inquiry. Congress also receives informal news of General Gates' victory over Burgoyne at Saratoga, though official confirmation had not yet arrived.
October 22, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress orders an inquiry into the conduct of Indian Commissioner George Morgan, as tensions with Native American tribes and concerns over mismanagement continued to be a significant issue.
October 23-30, 1777:
Congress debates and revises the draft Articles of Confederation. This period sees intense discussions over the structure of the new government.
October 29, 1777 (Wednesday):
President John Hancock takes leave of Congress, marking the end of his presidency. Hancock had served as president through critical moments of the revolution and was a key figure in the Continental Congress.
October 31, 1777 (Friday):
Congress receives official notification of the Saratoga Convention, confirming General Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga. This victory was a turning point in the Revolutionary War, bringing the possibility of French support closer to reality.
November 1777
November 1, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress elects Henry Laurens as the new president of the Continental Congress, succeeding John Hancock.
President Henry Laurens
November 4, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress commends General Gates and his army for their defense against Burgoyne's invasion, recognizing the significance of the Saratoga victory. Congress also commends other officers and units for their defense of the Delaware River, which had been crucial in slowing British advances.
November 7, 1777 (Friday):
Congress appoints new members to the reorganized Board of War, continuing efforts to improve military oversight and operations.
November 10-14, 1777:
Congress conducts the final debates on the Articles of Confederation, focusing on unresolved issues of governance, finance, and state sovereignty.
November 15, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress officially adopts the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, after lengthy debates and revisions. This document provided a framework for the government of the new nation, although it would later be replaced by the U.S. Constitution.
November 17, 1777 (Monday):
Congress transmits the Articles of Confederation to the states for their consideration and ratification, beginning the process of gaining approval from all thirteen colonies.
November 19, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress directs General Washington to inquire into the treatment of American prisoners held by the British, responding to reports of mistreatment and poor conditions.
November 20, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress adopts a report on the pacification of the western frontier, addressing the continued threat of conflict with Native American tribes allied with the British.
November 21, 1777 (Friday):
Congress recalls Commissioner Silas Deane from the court of France. Deane’s diplomatic actions had been controversial, and Congress sought to review his conduct and dealings with foreign officers.
November 22, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress adopts an economic program asking the states to levy taxes, call in paper money, and regulate prices, aiming to stabilize the wartime economy and curb rampant inflation.
November 24, 1777 (Monday):
Congress adopts measures for improving the provisioning of the army, which had struggled with supply shortages throughout the war.
November 27, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress recommends the confiscation of Loyalist property in the states, intensifying efforts to punish those who supported the British cause. Congress also completes the reconstitution of the Board of War, naming General Horatio Gates as president.
November 28, 1777 (Friday):
Congress appoints a committee to confer with General Washington on the state of the war. Congress also orders inquiries into the failures of the Rhode Island expedition and the defense of the Delaware River. John Adams is appointed as commissioner to France, replacing Silas Deane.
November 29, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress appoints a committee to translate the Articles of Confederation into French and to invite Canada to "accede to the union of these states," signaling hopes of bringing Canada into the American fold.
December 1777
December 1, 1777 (Monday):
Congress rejects proposals to alter the Saratoga Convention to allow General Burgoyne's army to embark from Rhode Island, as this would have allowed them to return to fight in Europe.
December 3, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress resolves to seek a $2 million loan from France and Spain to support the war effort. It also directs the suppression of Delaware Loyalists and adopts instructions for maintaining the neutrality of the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy). Congress endorses a proposal for a surprise attack on British positions at Lake Champlain.
December 8, 1777 (Monday):
Congress orders the immediate return of Silas Deane from France to answer questions regarding his conduct and agreements with foreign officers.
December 10, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress denounces General William Howe’s treatment of American prisoners, responding to widespread reports of harsh conditions and abuses. Congress also authorizes General Washington to impress supplies in Pennsylvania to support his army.
December 13, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress appoints General Thomas Conway to the newly created post of inspector general of the army, a position meant to improve discipline and organization within the Continental forces.
December 16, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress receives the report of the committee sent to General Washington's headquarters, which provided an assessment of the army’s condition.
December 19, 1777 (Friday):
Congress questions General Washington's plans for a winter cantonment, expressing concerns over how the army would survive the harsh winter months.
December 26, 1777 (Friday):
Congress debates the implementation of the Saratoga Convention, particularly the logistics of dealing with Burgoyne’s surrendered army.
December 30, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress grants the navy boards increased authority over naval officers and extends General Washington's powers to impress supplies, discipline officers, and punish spies. These measures reflect the pressing need for more centralized military control as the war continued.
Journals of the Continental Congress - United States of America - 1778
January 2, 1778 (Friday):
Congress formally dismisses Esek Hopkins from the Continental Navy. Hopkins, the first commander-in-chief of the navy, had faced criticism for his leadership and had been suspended in 1777. His dismissal marked an effort by Congress to improve naval command and operations.
January 8, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress decides to detain the British "Convention Army" (the troops surrendered by General Burgoyne at Saratoga) in America until receiving an "explicit ratification" of the Saratoga Convention from Britain. The terms of the Saratoga surrender had allowed Burgoyne’s troops to return to England, but Congress was wary of Britain’s commitment.
January 11, 1778 (Sunday):
Congress appoints a committee to visit General Washington at his headquarters and consult with him on much-needed reforms in the Continental Army, particularly regarding discipline, organization, and logistics.
January 12, 1778 (Monday):
Congress examines John Folger concerning the theft of dispatches from the American commissioners in France. The stolen communications between the commissioners and Congress were a serious breach of security.
January 14, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress accepts Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s offer of service as a volunteer in the Continental Army. Steuben, a Prussian military officer, would go on to play a crucial role in training and disciplining American forces, especially at Valley Forge.
January 15, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress orders the creation of additional magazines for storing supplies for the army in Pennsylvania, responding to the persistent supply shortages that were crippling Washington’s forces.
January 16, 1778 (Friday):
Congress instructs the committee at camp to evaluate the possibility of launching an attack on British-occupied Philadelphia, reflecting continued efforts to challenge British control of the city.
January 17, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress resolves to issue an additional $10 million in loan office certificates to help finance the war. This measure was essential as the costs of maintaining the army continued to rise.
January 20, 1778 (Tuesday):
Charles Carroll and Gouverneur Morris are appointed to the committee at camp, replacing members originally named from the Board of War. These appointments were part of Congress’s ongoing efforts to provide better oversight and communication between Washington and Congress.
January 21, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress adopts measures aimed at improving the treatment of American prisoners of war held by the British, responding to reports of mistreatment and poor conditions.
January 23, 1778 (Friday):
Congress appoints General Lafayette to command an invasion of Canada, hoping to extend the revolution into British-held territories and gain French-Canadian support for the American cause. However, this plan was later abandoned.
January 27, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress appoints a committee to confer on reforms in the hospital department, which had been plagued by inefficiency and poor conditions for soldiers.
January 30-31, 1778:
Congress studies proposals for reforming the quartermaster department and for retaining the neutrality of Native American tribes in the northern department. The quartermaster department was vital for supplying the army, and relations with Native Americans were crucial to maintaining security in frontier areas.
February 1778
February 2, 1778 (Monday):
Congress appoints officers for the planned Canadian expedition, though this mission would soon be suspended due to logistical challenges and lack of support.
February 3, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress prescribes an oath to be taken by all officers of the United States, formalizing their allegiance to the Continental cause and ensuring loyalty across the ranks.
February 4, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress directs the commissioner to the court of Tuscany to seek a $1 million loan, reflecting ongoing efforts to secure financial support from European powers. Congress also receives a recommendation from the Committee at Camp to appoint Jeremiah Wadsworth as commissary general of purchases, responsible for supplying the army.
February 6, 1778 (Friday):
Congress reforms the medical department, appointing a physician general for the middle department to oversee medical care in that region. This was part of the broader reorganization of military healthcare.
February 11, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress adopts regulations for the commissary general of military stores, addressing the need to improve the management of weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies.
February 13, 1778 (Friday):
Congress requests North Carolina to impose an embargo on beef and pork exports, aiming to ensure that sufficient food supplies were available for the Continental Army.
February 16, 1778 (Monday):
Congress resolves to emit an additional $2 million in bills of credit, continuing to finance the war despite rising inflation and the depreciation of currency.
February 17, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress suspends the special purchasing agents of the Board of War, signaling dissatisfaction with their performance and ongoing efforts to streamline military procurement.
February 19, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress relocates the Convention Army (Burgoyne’s surrendered troops) for security reasons, seeking to prevent their escape or involvement in further conflict.
February 23, 1778 (Monday):
Congress appoints a committee to reexamine the feasibility of the Canadian expedition, as doubts were growing about the practicality and potential success of the mission.
February 26, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress adopts resolutions for arranging a prisoner exchange with the British and sets new quotas for the Continental Army. Congress also updates recruitment regulations to improve the flow of new troops into the army.
February 27, 1778 (Friday):
Congress prescribes the death penalty for persons convicted of aiding the enemy, reflecting the seriousness with which Congress viewed acts of espionage and treason.
March 1778
March 2, 1778 (Monday):
Congress appoints General Nathanael Greene as quartermaster general and adopts new regulations for the quartermaster department. Greene’s appointment was seen as crucial for improving the supply and logistics of the Continental Army. Congress also urges the recruitment of cavalry, which was seen as essential for mobile warfare. The Canadian expedition is officially suspended due to the impracticality of the mission.
March 3, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress authorizes General John Burgoyne's return to England. As part of the Saratoga Convention, Burgoyne had been allowed to return home after his surrender, though his troops remained in America.
March 4, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress authorizes General Washington to employ Native American warriors with the Continental Army, seeking to leverage their knowledge of local terrain and guerilla warfare.
March 5, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress resolves to emit an additional $2 million in bills of credit, continuing to rely on paper money to fund the war effort despite concerns about inflation.
March 7, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress designates April 22 as a day of fasting and prayer, urging the American people to seek divine guidance and support in the ongoing struggle for independence.
March 12, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress urges the states to ensure that at least three delegates are in constant attendance at the Continental Congress, as absenteeism was affecting Congress's ability to make timely decisions.
March 13, 1778 (Friday):
Congress adopts new regulations for the commissary department, and reassigns Generals Lafayette and Baron de Kalb to other commands, recognizing the need for better deployment of key military leaders.
March 16, 1778 (Monday):
Congress orders the return of Pennsylvania pacifists exiled to Virginia, as their forced relocation had raised concerns about civil liberties. Congress also orders a study of state compliance with congressional recommendations.
March 18, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress increases General Washington's authority to negotiate prisoner exchanges with the British, giving him more flexibility to secure the release of American captives.
March 21, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress adopts measures for the defense of the northern department, which remained vulnerable to British attacks from Canada.
March 24, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress resolves to resume holding only one session per day, a sign that the immediate crises had subsided somewhat, allowing for a more regular schedule.
March 26, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress orders the arrest of Delaware Loyalists to thwart a rumored invasion threat, reflecting ongoing concerns about internal enemies and British sympathizers.
March 28, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress appoints Casimir Pulaski to command an independent cavalry corps. Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and military leader, had joined the American cause and was noted for his expertise in cavalry tactics.
March 30, 1778 (Monday):
Congress adopts revised instructions for the exchange of prisoners, seeking to streamline the process and secure better treatment for American captives held by the British.
April 1778
April 4, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress resolves to emit an additional $1 million in bills of credit and empowers General Washington to call up the militia from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, giving him greater authority to respond to British threats.
April 7, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress adopts contract terms for the Commerce Committee to execute with Roderique Hortalez & Co., the French firm secretly aiding the American cause by supplying military goods. This reflects growing French support for the revolution.
April 9, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress sets pay and allowances for commissary officers and formally appoints Jeremiah Wadsworth as commissary general of purchases, a role in which he would be responsible for securing provisions for the Continental Army.
April 10, 1778 (Friday):
An acrimonious debate arises over a letter criticizing General Washington, which sparks a walkout by delegates Thomas Burke and Edward Langworthy. The letter had raised concerns about Washington’s leadership, though the walkout reflects the deep divisions within Congress.
April 11, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress orders Thomas Burke to answer charges of disrupting congressional proceedings, following his walkout the previous day. Congress also resolves to emit an additional $5 million in bills of credit to fund the war effort.
April 14, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress adopts regulations for the commissary general of purchases, further refining the organization and efficiency of the department responsible for supplying the army.
April 15, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress responds to Delaware’s protest that General Smallwood’s seizure of Loyalists infringed on the internal governance of the state. Congress also directs General Horatio Gates to take command of the northern department.
April 16, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress rejects a motion to refer the issue of Continental officers' pensions to the states, signaling its intention to handle this matter at the national level.
April 18, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress orders an inquiry into the loss of the
Virginia
, a Continental Navy ship, reflecting concerns over the state of the navy and recent setbacks.
April 22, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress orders the publication of a statement on the British North Ministry's peace proposals, ensuring that the American public is informed about the British government's latest diplomatic overtures.
April 23, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress urges the states to pardon and forgive penitent Loyalists, promoting reconciliation with those who had supported the British cause but now wished to rejoin the American side. Congress also requests Maryland to send troops to suppress a Loyalist uprising in Delaware.
April 25, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress resolves that Thomas Burke's withdrawal from Congress was "disorderly and contemptuous," further reprimanding him for his earlier actions.
April 26, 1778 (Sunday):
Congress holds a rare Sunday debate on a proposal to provide half-pay for Continental officers, recognizing the financial hardships faced by officers who had devoted themselves to the cause.
April 28, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress accepts the resignation of General Thomas Conway, who had been involved in a controversial plot (later known as the "Conway Cabal") to undermine Washington's leadership.
April 29, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress adopts a plan to encourage British mercenaries to desert by offering land and citizenship in the United States. This was part of a broader strategy to weaken British forces by appealing to the self-interest of their soldiers.
May 1778
May 2, 1778 (Saturday):
Congress orders an inquiry into the conduct of the Commissary Department, reflecting concerns about inefficiency and corruption in the system responsible for providing food and supplies to the army.
May 4, 1778 (Monday):
Congress receives an official French translation of the
Treaty of Alliance
and the
Treaty of Amity and Commerce
with France, both of which were signed on February 6, 1778. These treaties formalized the alliance between the United States and France, a major turning point in the Revolutionary War.
May 5, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress ratifies the
Treaty of Alliance
and the
Treaty of Amity and Commerce
with France. This ratification marks the official entry of France into the war on the side of the United States, providing military and financial support that would be crucial to the American victory.
May 6, 1778 (Wednesday):
In celebration of the French alliance, the Continental Army holds a grand review and parade at Valley Forge. This event boosts morale among the troops who had endured a harsh winter and symbolizes the new hope provided by the French alliance.
May 8, 1778 (Friday):
Congress establishes new regulations for the Commissary Department, aiming to address the persistent problems of food shortages and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
May 11, 1778 (Monday):
Congress debates the status of foreign officers in the Continental Army, particularly those who had been recruited through the efforts of Silas Deane. Some officers had received commissions or promises that Congress now sought to review.
May 15, 1778 (Friday):
Congress appoints a committee to review complaints of mistreatment from British prisoners of war. This reflects the ongoing issues of prisoner exchanges and the treatment of prisoners, which were frequently a source of tension between the Americans and the British.
May 20, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress resolves to adopt new regulations for handling military supplies in the northern department. These regulations were part of a broader effort to improve logistics in the northern theater of the war, which remained a key battleground.
May 22, 1778 (Friday):
Congress urges the states to improve their military recruitment efforts, as the Continental Army continues to struggle with maintaining troop numbers. Recruitment issues had plagued the American forces throughout the war.
May 28, 1778 (Thursday):
Congress appoints a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton in New York. These forts had been captured by the British in October 1777, and Congress wanted to understand what had led to their fall.
June 1778
June 1, 1778 (Monday):
Congress orders the relocation of the Convention Army (Burgoyne's surrendered troops) further inland, out of fear that British forces could attempt to rescue them. This reflects ongoing concerns about the security of these prisoners of war.
June 3, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress appoints new members to the Board of War, which had been reorganized to better oversee military operations. The Board was tasked with managing the logistics of the war and coordinating with military commanders.
June 5, 1778 (Friday):
Congress debates the issue of half-pay for officers in the Continental Army, a topic that had generated significant controversy. Many officers had been promised half-pay for life after the war, but some members of Congress were reluctant to approve this measure due to concerns over cost and precedent.
June 8, 1778 (Monday):
Congress adopts new measures to prevent desertion in the Continental Army, reflecting the persistent problem of soldiers leaving the ranks due to poor conditions, lack of pay, and the hardships of war.
June 12, 1778 (Friday):
Congress appoints a committee to confer with General Washington on the state of the army. Washington had repeatedly written to Congress about the need for reforms in supply, discipline, and recruitment, and this committee was tasked with addressing these issues.
June 14, 1778 (Sunday):
Congress adopts a resolution to strengthen defenses along the Hudson River, as British forces were still seen as a threat to this critical region. The Hudson River was strategically important for controlling the flow of troops and supplies between the northern and southern colonies.
June 16, 1778 (Tuesday):
Congress debates the issue of privateering and adopts new regulations to better control and coordinate the actions of privateers. These privately owned ships had been granted letters of marque to attack British merchant vessels, but their activities often led to disputes over prizes and discipline.
June 19, 1778 (Friday):
Congress receives word that British forces are evacuating Philadelphia, which had been occupied by the British since September 1777. The evacuation marked a significant victory for the Americans and prompted Congress to consider returning to the city.
June 24, 1778 (Wednesday):
Congress resolves to return to Philadelphia following the British evacuation. The capital had been temporarily located in York, Pennsylvania, but the liberation of Philadelphia allowed Congress to return to its original seat.
June 28, 1778 (Sunday):
Congress receives reports of the Battle of Monmouth, fought in New Jersey. The battle was a draw, but it demonstrated the improved discipline and training of the Continental Army under General Washington and Baron von Steuben, who had been drilling the troops at Valley Forge.
The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features
Stanley
and
Christopher Klos
presenting
America's Four United Republics Curriculum
at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum,
[download it here].
Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents
Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776
Peyton Randolph
September 5, 1774
October 22, 1774
Henry Middleton
October 22, 1774
October 26, 1774
Peyton Randolph
May 20, 1775
May 24, 1775
John Hancock
May 25, 1775
July 1, 1776
Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America
George Washington: June 15, 1775 - December 23, 1783
Continental Congress of the United States Presidents
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
John Hancock
July 2, 1776
October 29, 1777
Henry Laurens
November 1, 1777
December 9, 1778
John Jay
December 10, 1778
September 28, 1779
Samuel Huntington
September 29, 1779
February 28, 1781
Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
Samuel Huntington
March 1, 1781
July 6, 1781
Samuel Johnston
July 10, 1781
Declined Office
Thomas McKean
July 10, 1781
November 4, 1781
John Hanson
November 5, 1781
November 3, 1782
Elias Boudinot
November 4, 1782
November 2, 1783
Thomas Mifflin
November 3, 1783
June 3, 1784
Richard Henry Lee
November 30, 1784
November 22, 1785
John Hancock
November 23, 1785
June 5, 1786
Nathaniel Gorham
June 6, 1786
February 1, 1787
Arthur St. Clair
February 2, 1787
January 21, 1788
Cyrus Griffin
January 22, 1788
January 21, 1789
Articles of Confederation Congress
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA
Session Dates
USCA Convene Date
President(s)
First
03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781*
03-02-1781
Samuel Huntington
Thomas McKean
Second
11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782
11-05-1781
John Hanson
Third
11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783
11-04-1782
Elias Boudinot
Fourth
11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784
11-03-1783
Thomas Mifflin
Fifth
11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785
11-29-1784
Richard Henry Lee
Sixth
11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786
11-23-1785
John Hancock
Nathaniel Gorham
Seventh
11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787
02-02-1787
Arthur St. Clair
Eighth
11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788
01-21-1788
Cyrus Griffin
Ninth
11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789**
None
None
* The
Articles of Confederation
was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new  United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781.  The USCA convened under the
Articles of Confederation
Constitution on March 2, 1781.
** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the
Constitution of 1787's
federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Presidents of the United States of America
1789 - Present
POTUS
CLICK HERE
United Colonies and States First Ladies
1774 - Present
FLOTUS
CLICK HERE
Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America
Philadelphia
Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774
City Tavern
Carpenter’s Hall
Philadelphia
May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776
Pennsylvania State House
Baltimore
Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777
Henry Fite’s House
Philadelphia
March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777
Pennsylvania State House
Lancaster
September 27, 1777
Lancaster  Court House
York
Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778
York-town Court House
Philadelphia
July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783
College Hall
PA State House
Princeton
June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783
Prospect House
Nassau Hall
Annapolis
Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784
Maryland, State House
Trenton
Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784
French Arms Tavern
New York City
Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788
New York City Hall
New York City
October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789
Walter Livingston House
New York City
March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790
Federal Hall
Philadelphia
Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800
Congress Hall
Washington DC
November 17,1800 to Present
Two US Capitol Buildings
Chart Comparing Presidential Powers
Click Here
Secure a unique primary source exhibit and a professional speaker for your next event by reaching out to Historic.us today. Serving a wide range of clients—including Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits, colleges, universities, national conventions, and PR and advertising agencies—we are a premier national exhibitor of primary sources. Our engaging and educational historic displays are crafted to captivate and inform your audience, creating a memorable experience. Join our roster of satisfied clients and see how Historic.us can elevate your event.
to explore options tailored to your audience and objectives!
Historic.us
A Non-profit Corporation
Primary Source Exhibits
Exhibit Inquiries
202-239-1774 | Office
Stan@Historic.us
Website:
www.Historic.us
Edited:
Open AI
2024
ChatGPT
Large language model
] -
BlogThis!
Share to X
Share to Facebook
Share to Pinterest
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Primary Sources
Primary Sources
Articles of Association
Articles of Confederation
Article the First
Coin Act
Declaration of Independence
Emancipation Proclamation
Gettysburg Address
Monroe Doctrine
Northwest Ordinance
No Taxation Without Representation
Thanksgiving Proclamations
Mayflower Compact
Treaty of Paris 176
& 83
United Nations Charter
United States In Congress Assembled
US Bill of Rights
United States Constitution
US Continental Congress
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Historic Events
Battle of New Orleans
Battle of Yorktown
Civil Rights Movement
Federalist Papers
Fort Duquesne
Fort Necessity
Fort Pitt
Jumonville Glen
Stamp Act Congress
Underground Railroad
US Hospitality
US Presidency
Vietnam War
War of 1812
Woman Suffrage
World War I
World War II
DOI
Declaration of Independence
Commander in Chief
George Washington
President
John
Hancock
Secretary
Charles Thomson
New Hampshire
Josiah
Bartlett
Matthew
Thornton
William Whipple
Massachusetts
John Adams
Samuel Adams
Elbridge Gerry
John Hancock
Robert Treat Paine
Connecticut
Samuel Huntington
Roger Sherman
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
Rhode Island
William Ellery
Stephen Hopkins
New York
William Floyd
Francis Lewis
Philip Livingston
Lewis Morris
New Jersey
Abraham Clark
John Hart
Francis Hopkinson
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Pennsylvania
George Clymer
Benjamin Franklin
Robert Morris
John Morton
George Ross
Benjamin Rush
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
Delaware
Thomas McKean
George Read
Caesar Rodney
Maryland
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Virginia
Carter Braxton
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Jefferson
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas
Nelson, Jr.
George Wythe
North Carolina
Joseph Hewes
William Hooper
John Penn
South Carolina
Thomas Heyward Jr.
Thomas Lynch Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Edward Rutledge
Georgia
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton
Printed - July 4, 1776
John Dunlap
Engrossed
Aug. 2, 1776
Timothy Matlack
Printed - January 1777
Mary Katherine Goddard
Wet Ink Transfer -1820
William J. Stone
US Constitutions
US Constitution Day
Constitution Day Exhibit
Constitution of 1787
US Constitution Text
Constitution of 1787 1st Congress
Bill of Rights
11th Amendment
12th Amendment
13th Amendment
14th Amendment
15th Amendment
16th Amendment
17th Amendment
18th and 21st Amendments
19th Amendment
20th Amendment
22nd Amendment
23rd Amendment
24th Amendment
25th Amendment
26th Amendment
27th Amendment
Pending and Failed Amendments
Article the First
US Constitution of 1777
US Constitution of 1787
Constitutional Amendments
Historic.us
Translate
Presidents
America’s Four Republics
The More or Less United States
Continental
Congress
U.C. Presidents
Peyton Randolph
Henry Middleton
Peyton Randolph
John Hancock
Continental
Congress
U.S. Presidents
John Hancock
Henry Laurens
John Jay
Samuel Huntington
Constitution of 1777
U.S. Presidents
Samuel Huntington
Samuel Johnston
Elected but declined the office
Thomas McKean
John Hanson
Elias Boudinot
Thomas Mifflin
Richard Henry Lee
John Hancock
Chairman David Ramsay
Nathaniel Gorham
Arthur St. Clair
Cyrus Griffin
Constitution of 1787
U.S. Presidents
George Washington
John Adams
Federalist Party
Thomas Jefferson
Republican* Party
James Madison
Republican* Party
James Monroe
Republican* Party
John Quincy Adams
Republican* Party
Whig Party
Andrew Jackson
Republican* Party
Democratic Party
Martin Van Buren
Democratic Party
William H. Harrison
Whig Party
John Tyler
Whig Party
James K. Polk
Democratic Party
David Atchison**
Democratic Party
Zachary Taylor
Whig Party
Millard Fillmore
Whig Party
Franklin Pierce
Democratic Party
James Buchanan
Democratic Party
Abraham Lincoln
Republican Party
Jefferson Davis***
Democratic Party
Andrew Johnson
Republican Party
Ulysses S. Grant
Republican Party
Rutherford B. Hayes
Republican Party
James A. Garfield
Republican Party
Chester Arthur
Republican Party
Grover Cleveland
Democratic Party
Benjamin Harrison
Republican Party
Grover Cleveland
Democratic Party
William McKinley
Republican Party
Theodore Roosevelt
Republican Party
William H. Taft
Republican Party
Woodrow Wilson
Democratic Party
Warren G. Harding
Republican Party
Calvin Coolidge
Republican Party
Herbert C. Hoover
Republican Party
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Democratic Party
Harry S. Truman
Democratic Party
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Republican Party
John F. Kennedy
Democratic Party
Lyndon B. Johnson
Democratic Party
Richard M. Nixon
Republican Party
Gerald R. Ford
Republican Party
James Earl Carter, Jr.
Democratic Party
Ronald Wilson Reagan
Republican Party
George H. W. Bush
Republican Party
William Jefferson Clinton
Democratic Party
George W. Bush
Republican Party
Barack H. Obama
Democratic Party
Donald J. Trump
Republican Party
Joseph R. Biden
Republican Party
Donald J. Trump
Republican Party
Please Visit
U.S. Presidency
& Hospitality
Stanley Y. Klos
*Republican Party - - the political Party organized by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1791 that went out of existence over the schism between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. Today, for the sake of expediency, political scientists incorrectly refer to it as the Democratic-Republican Party. Party Members at the time never utilized the name Democratic-Republican because it was the Republican Party.
**
Acting US President - David Atchison never claimed that he was the President of the United States for one day on March 4, 1849. Political Scientists who make the assertion claim that because Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn in on a Sunday, March 4, 1849, and both the President and Vice President's term ended on that date the President pro-tempore of the U.S. Senate, David Atchison, therefore became the President under 1849 Presidential succession law.
*** President of the Confederate States of America
Notables
Notables XX
Abigail Adams
Susan B. Anthony
Catherine The Great
Clara Barton
Julia Ward Howe
Sarah Livingston Jay
Dolley Madison
Elizabeth Monroe
Eleanor Roosevelt
Betsy Ross
Sojourner Truth
Martha Washington
Woman Suffrage
Notables XY
John James Audubon
Benedict Arnold
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Alexander Graham Bell
Karl Benz
Napoleon Bonaparte
Daniel
Boone
Aaron Burr
Alphonse Capone
George Washington Carver
Samuel de Champlain
Samuel Clemens
Gottlieb Daimler
Walter E. Disney
Thomas Alva Edison
Edward VI
Alexander Hamilton
Robert E Lee
Vladimir Lenin
John A Macdonald
Ferdinand Magellan
George Mason
Clement C. Moore
Wolfgang Mozart
Francis H Peirpoint
Edmund Randolph
John D. Rockefeller
Haym Salomon
Sitting Bull
Andy Warhol
Other
Native Americans
Egyptian Mummy
Himalaya Mountains
© H
istoric.us