Henry Fite House

Henry Fite House

Old Congress Hall

Baltimore, Maryland

December 20, 1776 to February 27, 1777

No Longer Standing

201 W Baltimore St

Baltimore, MD 21201

Henry Fite House Old Congress Hall Baltimore, Maryland December 20, 1776 to February 27, 1777

The Temporary Relocation of the Second Continental Congress to Baltimore: A Comprehensive Historical Analysis

In mid-December 1776, facing the imminent threat of British forces advancing on Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress made a critical decision to flee the city. The delegates sought refuge in Baltimore, then a small but strategically advantageous hamlet, to ensure the continuity of their governance and decision-making. This relocation reflected the precarious state of the American Revolution and the necessity of adaptability in the face of adversity.

The Selection of Baltimore and the Henry Fite House

Initially, Baltimore's county courthouse was offered as a potential meeting site for Congress. However, the delegates opted instead to convene in the Henry Fite House, a private residence near the waterfront. This choice was pragmatic for several reasons. The courthouse, while available, was not ideal due to its proximity to potential naval shelling by the British Royal Navy, should they navigate up the Patapsco River.[^1] In contrast, the Henry Fite House offered both security and space, making it the preferred option.

The Henry Fite House, constructed by Jacob Fite, was Baltimore Town's largest building at the time and marked the westernmost boundary of the settlement. The structure was an architectural marvel for its era—a three-story brick building with an attic and a full cellar beneath. It measured approximately 92 feet along Market Street (now Baltimore Street) and extended 50 to 55 feet along its side streets. Inside, it boasted 14 rooms, excluding outbuildings, which included a kitchen, wash-house, and a stable capable of accommodating 30 horses. A prominent feature was its ten-window-long meeting room with two fireplaces, well-suited for Congressional deliberations. Congress leased the house for three months at the rate of £180, securing a venue that allowed them to work undisturbed during a critical phase of the Revolution.[^2]

Key Legislative Actions in Baltimore

During its two-month stay in Baltimore, the Continental Congress enacted several pivotal measures that shaped the Revolutionary War and the future of the United States. Among these:

1. Extraordinary Powers Granted to General George Washington On December 27, 1776, Congress received the electrifying news of Washington's unexpected victory at Trenton, New Jersey. Recognizing the need to capitalize on this momentum, Congress granted Washington "extraordinary powers" to conduct the war effort. This unprecedented authority allowed him to requisition supplies, conscript troops, and take decisive actions without prior Congressional approval. These powers were critical in enabling Washington to sustain and reinvigorate the Continental Army during the harsh winter campaign.[^3]

2. Authorization to Print the Declaration of Independence with Signatures The Congress's commitment to transparency and public morale was further demonstrated on January 18, 1777. Following Washington’s second victory at Princeton, Congress resolved to print an authenticated copy of the Declaration of Independence that included the names of all its signatories. This action symbolized unity and resolve, ensuring that the American public could identify the leaders who had pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" to the cause of independence.[^4]

Authenticate your Declaration of Independence Click Here

Mary Katherine Goddard’s Role in History

The responsibility of printing the authenticated copy of the Declaration fell to Mary Katherine Goddard, a prominent Baltimore postmaster, printer, and publisher.[^5] Goddard, a trailblazer in her field, received the original engrossed copy of the Declaration to set its type in her shop. Her 1777 printing was a historic document that included, for the first time, the names of all signatories. Congress ordered that a copy be sent to each state with instructions to have the document recorded officially:

"Ordered, That an authenticated copy of the Declaration of Independency, with the names of the members of Congress subscribing the same, be sent to each of the United States, and that they be desired to have the same put upon record."[^6]

This task not only underscored Goddard's skill and trustworthiness but also cemented her legacy as an unsung heroine of the Revolutionary era.

Later History of the Henry Fite House

After the departure of Congress, the Henry Fite House—also referred to as "Old Congress Hall"—remained a significant site in Baltimore. In 1816, George Peabody, an international financier and philanthropist, acquired the property. For two decades, Peabody used the residence as his home and office, during which time he amassed the fortune that made him the wealthiest man in America by the mid-1830s.[^7]

In 1894, the Sons of the American Revolution installed an ornate bronze memorial tablet on the site of the house. The tablet honored the building's historical role, stating: "On this site stood Old Congress Hall, in which the Continental Congress met." Its elaborate design included an eagle motif, the names of the original thirteen states, and decorative shields. This tribute underscored the site's enduring significance to American history.[^8]

Destruction in the Great Baltimore Fire

The Henry Fite House met a tragic end during the Great Baltimore Fire of February 7–8, 1904. The conflagration consumed the building, leaving only the commemorative plaque among the smoking ruins. Today, the site of this historic structure is occupied by the 1st Mariner Arena at 201 West Baltimore Street, serving as a modern reminder of Baltimore's contributions to the Revolutionary War effort.[^9]

Henry Fite House  or Old Congress Hall  sketch is from  Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 46, 1873 

Legacy of the Baltimore Session

The Second Continental Congress's relocation to Baltimore stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the American leadership during the Revolution. In the face of danger, the delegates not only ensured the continuity of governance but also enacted measures that fortified the war effort and solidified the ideological foundation of the new nation.

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Footnotes

1. John Adams, The Revolutionary Writings of John Adams. Describes the strategic concerns of Congress in selecting Baltimore as a refuge.
2. Anne Hollingsworth Wharton, Social Life in the Early Republic. Provides detailed descriptions of the Henry Fite House's dimensions and facilities.
3. David Hackett Fischer, Washington's Crossing. Contextualizes the impact of Washington's victories at Trenton and Princeton on Congressional actions.
4. Journals of Congress, January 18, 1777. Resolution to print an authenticated copy of the Declaration with signatories.
5. Edith Gelles, First Ladies of the Republic. Highlights Mary Katherine Goddard's role as a female pioneer in Revolutionary America.
6. Library of Congress, American Memory Collection. Documentation of Congressional orders related to the Declaration of Independence.
7. Franklin Parker, George Peabody, a Biography. Chronicles Peabody's life and association with the Henry Fite House.
8. Sons of the American Revolution, Historical Memorials of the Revolution. Details the 1894 plaque installation.
9. William Arthur, The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. Records the destruction of Old Congress Hall and its aftermath.

U.S. Continental Congress President John Hancock

United States Continental Congress Fite House Legislation:  

December 20, 1776 (Friday):
Congress reconvenes in Baltimore and immediately inquires into the treatment of General Charles Lee, who had recently been captured by British forces. Lee’s capture was a blow to American morale.

December 21, 1776 (Saturday):
Congress appoints George Clymer, Robert Morris, and George Walton as an executive committee in Philadelphia, charged with overseeing the city's defense and managing military operations while Congress was in Baltimore.

December 23, 1776 (Monday):
Congress authorizes its commissioners in Paris to borrow "two million sterling" from France, arm six vessels of war, and gather information on Portugal’s hostile actions toward American ships. This move sought to secure vital foreign aid and strengthen diplomatic ties.

December 26, 1776 (Thursday):
Congress appoints a committee to draft a plan "for the better conducting the executive business of Congress, by boards composed of persons not members of Congress." This restructuring aimed to improve the efficiency of Congress’s wartime administration.

December 27, 1776 (Friday):
Congress confers extraordinary powers on General Washington for six months, granting him broad authority to act without prior approval from Congress, reflecting the dire military situation and need for quick decisions.

December 30, 1776 (Monday):
Congress approves new instructions for American commissioners abroad and votes to send commissioners to the courts of Vienna, Spain, Prussia, and the Grand Duke of Tuscany, expanding diplomatic efforts to secure alliances and military support.

December 31, 1776 (Tuesday):
Congress receives General Washington’s announcement of his stunning victory over the Hessian garrison at Trenton, a morale-boosting victory that came at a critical time for the American cause.

Journals of the Continental Congress - United States of America - 1777

January 1777

January 1, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress appoints Benjamin Franklin as commissioner to the Court of Spain. Franklin’s diplomatic skill had already proven effective in securing French support, and this appointment was a step toward seeking aid from Spain, another potential ally in the war against Britain.

January 3, 1777 (Friday):
Congress directs General George Washington to investigate and protest British General William Howe's treatment of American prisoners, including Congressman Richard Stockton. Stockton had been captured by British forces and reportedly mistreated, which led Congress to seek a formal protest regarding the treatment of captured American officials.

January 6, 1777 (Monday):
Congress denounces General Howe's treatment of General Charles Lee, who had been captured by British forces on December 13, 1776. Congress threatens retaliation against British prisoners of war if Lee and other American prisoners are not treated in accordance with the rules of war.

January 8, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress authorizes the posting of Continental garrisons for the defense of western Virginia, a region under threat from both British and Native American forces. Additionally, Congress provides financing for Massachusetts' expedition against Fort Cumberland in Nova Scotia, which was aimed at securing the northern front.

January 9, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress dismisses Dr. John Morgan, director general of military hospitals, and Samuel Stringer, director of the hospital in the northern department. These dismissals reflected dissatisfaction with the management of military hospitals, which were plagued by inefficiencies and poor conditions.

January 14, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress adopts proposals to bolster Continental money, including recommending state taxation to help meet state quotas for financial contributions to the war effort. The rising costs of the war made fiscal reforms a priority.

January 16, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress proposes appointing a commissary specifically for American prisoners held by the British, recognizing the need for better coordination in providing for their welfare. Congress also orders an inquiry into British and Hessian depredations in New York and New Jersey, where soldiers had been accused of looting and other abuses.

January 18, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress orders the distribution of authenticated copies of the Declaration of Independence, which for the first time includes the names of the signers. This move was aimed at reaffirming the unity and resolve of the American colonies.

National Collegiate Honor’s Council Partners in the Park Class of 2017 students at Fort Mifflin holding up a printing of the Declaration of Independence Goddard Broadside. On January 18th, 1777, after victories at Trenton and Princeton, John Hancock's Congress ordered a true copy of the Declaration of Independence printed complete with the names of all the sign­ers. Mary Katherine Goddard, a Baltimore Postmaster, Printer and publisher, was given the original engrossed copy of the Declaration to set the type in her shop. A copy of the Goddard printing was ordered to be sent to each state so the people would know the names of the signers: Delaware • George Read • Caesar Rodney • Thomas McKean [not present on Goddard Broadside] Pennsylvania • George Clymer • Benjamin Franklin • Robert Morris • John Morton • Benjamin Rush • George Ross • James Smith • James Wilson • George Taylor Massachusetts • John Adams • Samuel Adams • John Hancock • Robert Treat Paine • Elbridge Gerry New Hampshire • Josiah Bartlett • William Whipple • Matthew Thornton Rhode Island • Stephen Hopkins • William Ellery New York • Lewis Morris • Philip Livingston • Francis Lewis • William Floyd Georgia • Button Gwinnett • Lyman Hall • George Walton Virginia • RichardHenry Lee • Francis Lightfoot Lee • Carter Braxton • Benjamin Harrison • ThomasJefferson • George Wythe • Thomas Nelson, Jr. North Carolina • William Hooper • John Penn • Joseph Hewes South Carolina • Edward Rutledge • Arthur Middleton • Thomas Lynch, Jr. • Thomas Heyward, Jr. New Jersey • Abraham Clark • John Hart • Francis Hopkinson • Richard Stockton • John Witherspoon Connecticut • Samuel Huntington • Roger Sherman • William Williams • Oliver Wolcott Maryland • Charles Carroll • Samuel Chase • Thomas Stone • William Paca,  – Primary Source Courtesy of www.Historic.us

January 24, 1777 (Friday):
Congress provides funds for holding an Indian treaty at Easton, Pennsylvania. Diplomacy with Native American tribes remained critical, as the colonies sought to secure alliances or neutrality from Native nations during the conflict.

January 28, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress appoints a committee to study the condition of Georgia, which was facing British military threats and internal struggles. The committee was tasked with determining what support was needed for the colony.

January 29, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress directs Joseph Trumbull, commissary general, to conduct an inquiry into his deputy commissary Carpenter Wharton, who had been accused of misconduct. This was part of broader efforts to improve the administration of army supplies.

January 30, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress creates a standing committee on appeals from state admiralty courts, establishing a formal process for handling disputes related to naval captures and prize cases.

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February 1777

February 1, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress orders measures to suppress insurrection in Worcester and Somerset counties, Maryland, where local Loyalists were suspected of organizing resistance against the revolution. This reflected the ongoing internal struggles within the colonies between Patriots and Loyalists.

February 5, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress orders measures to obtain troops from the Carolinas to reinforce Continental forces. Congress also instructs the Secret Committee to procure supplies from France, continuing diplomatic efforts to secure foreign aid.

February 6, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress directs measures for the defense of Georgia, which was under threat from British forces, and recommends securing the friendship of southern Native American tribes. Maintaining Native American alliances was essential for the security of the southern colonies.

February 10, 1777 (Monday):
Congress recommends a temporary embargo in response to the British naval "infestation" of Chesapeake Bay, where British ships were disrupting trade and threatening the coastal regions.

February 12, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress recommends the inoculation of Continental troops for smallpox. This was a critical decision, as smallpox outbreaks had devastated soldiers, and inoculation was seen as a necessary measure to protect the army's health.

February 15, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress endorses the recommendations adopted at the December-January New England Conference, a meeting of military and political leaders to coordinate the war effort. Congress also recommends similar conferences in the middle and southern states to ensure unity and effective coordination of resources.

February 17, 1777 (Monday):
Congress endorses General Philip Schuyler's efforts to maintain the friendship of the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy), who held a strategic position in New York and whose support or neutrality was vital to both British and American forces.

February 18, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress directs General Washington to conduct an inquiry into the military abilities of foreign officers who had joined the Continental Army. Many foreign officers, including those from France and Prussia, had offered their services, but their qualifications were not always clear.

February 19, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress elects five major generals, marking a significant reorganization of the Continental Army’s command structure to improve leadership in the field.

February 21, 1777 (Friday):
Congress rejects General Charles Lee's request for a congressional delegation to meet with him to consider British peace overtures. Lee had been captured by the British, and his request was seen as potentially undermining American unity. Congress also elects 10 brigadier generals to strengthen the army's leadership.

February 22, 1777 (Saturday):
Congress resolves to borrow $13 million in loan office certificates, recognizing the need for additional funds to continue financing the war.

February 25, 1777 (Tuesday):
Congress adopts measures to curb desertion in the Continental Army, a serious problem as soldiers often fled during the harsh winter months.

February 26, 1777 (Wednesday):
Congress raises the interest on loan office certificates from 4% to 6%, hoping to make these certificates more attractive to investors and secure additional funding.

February 27, 1777 (Thursday):
Congress cautions Virginia about expeditions against Native American tribes, advising restraint to avoid provoking unnecessary conflicts. Congress then adjourns to Philadelphia, to reconvene on March 5.

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

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