Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 5, 1774 – October 24, 1774
320 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Carpenters' Hall with the docent holding a Virginia Three Pound Note signed by the first President of the United Colonies Continental Congress Peyton Randolph AND a 1776 Autograph Letter Signed by Cyrus Griffin the last President of the United States in Congress Assembled. Carly is holding an original 1774 printing of the Articles of Association passed in this hall, which named the Continental Congress. - For More information please visit NCHCPartners in the Park 2017 |
The Continental Congress's decision to meet at Carpenters’ Hall was not made lightly. On September 1, 1774, delegates from eleven colonies gathered at 10 a.m. at City Tavern to deliberate over their meeting location. As Delegate James Duane documented:
“The Members of the Congress met at Smith's [Sic City] Tavern. The Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly having offerd the Congress the use of the State house; & the Carpenters the use of their Hall, It was agreed to take a View of each. We proceeded to the Carpenter's hall. Mr. Lynch proposed the Question whether as that was in all respects Suitable it ought not to be fixed upon without further Enquiry.
I observed that if the State house was equally convenient it ought to be preferred being a provincial & the Carpenter's Hall a private House. And besides as it was tenderd by the Speaker it seemed to be a piece of respect which was due to him, at least to enquire whether the State House was not equally convenient. The Question was however called for; & a great Majority fixed upon the Carpenters hall” [2].
John Adams also described the event in his diary, capturing the delegates’ impressions of the Hall:
“Monday. At ten the delegates all met at the City Tavern, and walked to the Carpenters' Hall, where they took a view of the room, and of the chamber where is an excellent library; there is also a long entry where gentlemen may walk, and a convenient chamber opposite to the library. The general cry was, that this was a good room, and the question was put, whether we were satisfied with this room? and it passed in the affirmative. A very few were for the negative, and they were chiefly from Pennsylvania and New York” [3].
An Assembly of Strangers
The deputies of the Colonial Congress were largely unfamiliar with one another. With the colonial population exceeding two million and lacking any continental newspaper or magazine, few delegates had national reputations. However, exceptions existed. John and Samuel Adams of Massachusetts were well-known as Boston leaders advocating resistance against British policies. George Washington, a militia colonel from Virginia, had achieved renown during the French and Indian War. Peyton Randolph, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses, was respected for his successful opposition to Governor Dinwiddie’s Pistole land tax. Patrick Henry, famed for his eloquence, had gained notoriety in 1765 with his opposition to the Stamp Act. While other delegates wielded influence within their respective colonies, the Congress itself marked a new beginning for cooperative colonial governance [4].
Establishing Leadership
The first order of business was the election of a presiding officer. James Duane recorded the proceedings:
“The Names of the Members were then called over; After which Mr Lynch proposed that we shoud elect a President or Chairman and named Mr Peyton Randolph Speaker of the Assembly of Virginia, who was unanimously approvd & placed in the Chair. A Question was then put what Title the Convention should assume & it was agred that it should be called the Congress. Another Question was put what shoud be the Stile of Mr Randolph & it was agreed that he should be called the President” [2].
Charles Thomson was elected as Secretary following a debate. Thomson, known for his steadfast dedication to the colonial cause, had earned the nickname “Samuel Adams of Philadelphia.” His appointment was described by Duane:
“The next point was to fix on a Clerk or Secretary. Mr Thompson was proposd by Mr Lynch. Mr. Jay observed that he had Authority to say that one of the members of the Congress was willing to accept the Office & he conceivd the preference was due to him [him being James Duane]. To which it was answerd that such an appointment woud deprive the Congress of a Member as he woud be too much incumberd by the Duties of a Clerk to attend to the Trust for which he was chosen. The Objection being thought Reasonable Mr Thompson was appointed by the Stile of Secretary of the Congress” [2].
Thomson would serve as Secretary to both the Continental Congress and the United States in Congress Assembled for nearly 15 years, influencing legislative and revolutionary developments [4].
Faith and the Role of Prayer
The deeply religious convictions of the Continental Congress members were reflected in their practices. President Peyton Randolph and the assembly initiated the tradition of opening sessions with prayer, inviting Reverend Jacob Duché of Christ Church to deliver the inaugural invocation. As recorded in the Journals of Congress on September 7, 1774:
“Agreeable to the resolve of yesterday, the meeting was opened with prayers by the Revd. Mr. Duché. Voted, That the thanks of the Congress be given to Mr. Duché, by Mr. Cushing and Mr. Ward, for performing divine Service, and for the excellent prayer, which he composed and deliver'd on the occasion” [5].
This tradition of prayer before sessions continues in U.S. governmental institutions today.
The Galloway Plan of Union
The Congress’s first substantive debate addressed colonial grievances against Great Britain. Pennsylvania delegate Joseph Galloway proposed a "Plan of Union," advocating for the creation of a Colonial Parliament that would operate in partnership with the British Parliament. The proposal sought mutual veto power over legislative matters affecting the colonies, illustrating early attempts to reconcile with Britain while asserting colonial autonomy [4].
The Articles of Association
The most important legislation passed by the First Continental Congress of the United Colonies was the Articles of Association. Adopted on October 20, 1774, the Articles were a response to escalating tensions with Great Britain, particularly following the passage of the Coercive Acts earlier that year. This pivotal document declared the gathering of deputies a "Continental Congress" and formalized a collective colonial response to British policies.
The Articles of Association primarily outlined a unified strategy of economic resistance against British authority. Key provisions included:
- Non-Importation: The colonies agreed to cease the importation of British goods after December 1, 1774, as a direct protest against British taxation and trade restrictions.
- Non-Consumption: Colonists committed to refraining from consuming British products, thereby pressuring merchants to sever ties with Britain.
- Non-Exportation: The Articles included a provision to halt exports to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies starting September 10, 1775, unless colonial grievances were addressed.
- Committees of Observation and Inspection: Local committees were established in each colony to enforce the economic boycott, ensuring compliance among merchants and the general public [6].
Effects on the Colonies and Great Britain
The Articles of Association marked the first significant step toward collective colonial governance and economic solidarity. Its implementation fostered unity across the colonies, strengthening their resolve to resist British oppression. The establishment of Committees of Observation and Inspection also laid the groundwork for local self-governance, which later evolved into revolutionary administrative bodies.
For Great Britain, the Articles represented a significant challenge. The economic boycott directly impacted British merchants and manufacturers, who lobbied Parliament to address colonial grievances. However, instead of seeking reconciliation, British authorities viewed the Articles as a rebellious act, further straining relations and contributing to the eventual outbreak of the American Revolutionary War [7].
Significance
The Articles of Association stand as a testament to the colonies' initial preference for non-violent resistance. They illustrate the strategic use of economic leverage to challenge British authority and the collaborative spirit of the colonies in the face of shared adversity. Although the Articles were not entirely successful in forcing British concessions, they underscored the colonies' ability to act as a unified body, setting the stage for more decisive actions, such as the Declaration of Independence two years later [8].
Legacy of Carpenters’ Hall
Carpenters’ Hall, both as a physical space and a historical symbol, encapsulates the birth of American unity and governance. From its modest beginnings to the monumental decisions made within its walls, the Hall stands as a testament to the courage and vision of the founders. It was here that individuals from diverse colonies, many of whom had never met before, came together to lay the groundwork for a nation founded on principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination. The debates, resolutions, and compromises forged within its walls reflect not only the intellectual rigor of the Continental Congress but also the shared commitment to creating a unified front against oppression.
As the site of the First Continental Congress, Carpenters’ Hall holds an enduring legacy as the birthplace of collective colonial action. Its role in hosting the adoption of measures such as the Articles of Association underscores its significance in shaping the political and economic strategies that defined the early resistance to British rule. Furthermore, the Hall’s enduring use by the Carpenters’ Company symbolizes the continuity of community, craftsmanship, and democratic ideals through generations.
Today, Carpenters’ Hall stands as a beacon of American heritage, inviting reflection on the bold decisions and visionary leadership that shaped the nation’s trajectory. Its walls remind us of the profound impact of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity and serve as a timeless inspiration for the ongoing pursuit of democracy and justice.
September 1774
September 5, 1774 (Monday):
The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve colonies (all except Georgia) meet at Carpenter's Hall to address growing tensions with Britain. Peyton Randolph of Virginia is elected President of the Congress, and Charles Thomson of Pennsylvania is chosen as Secretary. The credentials of the delegates from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina are read and approved. The Congress aims to discuss the grievances against British policies and plan a collective response.
September 6, 1774 (Tuesday):
Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, arrives and attends the session. The Congress adopts rules of order to govern its proceedings, ensuring orderly debate and decision-making. It is agreed to begin each session with prayers, and Reverend Jacob Duché of Philadelphia is invited to officiate. Thomas Johnson, Jr., from Maryland, also attends for the first time.
September 7, 1774 (Wednesday):
Congress appoints a committee to draft a statement of the rights of the colonies, document the violations of those rights by British policies, and propose measures to restore them. Another committee is tasked with examining British statutes affecting colonial trade and manufacturing, to identify how those laws have harmed the colonies. Peyton Randolph, as President, is given the authority to adjourn Congress from day to day when no business is under consideration.
September 12, 1774 (Monday):
Matthew Tilghman, a delegate from Maryland, arrives to participate in the sessions. Congress continues to deliberate over colonial grievances and discuss the best way to approach negotiations with Britain, while still avoiding an outright call for independence.
September 14, 1774 (Wednesday):
William Hooper and Joseph Hewes, delegates from North Carolina, arrive, as does Henry Wisner from Orange County, New York. George Ross from Pennsylvania and John Alsop from New York also join the sessions. Delegates from Massachusetts present a report on the proceedings of a recent meeting held by committees from the towns of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, which had convened at Concord in late August to oppose the Intolerable Acts imposed by Britain.
September 17, 1774 (Saturday):
Richard Caswell from North Carolina joins the Congress. The resolutions passed by Suffolk County, Massachusetts, on September 6 (known as the Suffolk Resolves) are presented to Congress. The Suffolk Resolves denounce the Intolerable Acts and call for the colonies to resist British rule. Congress votes to approve the Suffolk Resolves, signaling strong support for Massachusetts in its confrontation with British authority. It also recommends that contributions from all colonies continue to provide relief to the people of Boston, suffering under the British-imposed blockade.
September 19, 1774 (Monday):
Congress refers the Suffolk Resolves to the committee appointed to state the rights of the colonies. This committee continues its work to articulate the specific rights the colonies believe are being violated and how they will defend them.
September 22, 1774 (Thursday):
Congress issues a recommendation to merchants in all colonies to cease placing orders for goods from Britain, part of a larger plan to institute a boycott of British imports. This is a significant step toward economic resistance. A report from the committee on colonial rights is presented to the Congress and read, and copies are made for distribution to the colonies.
September 24, 1774 (Saturday):
The report from the committee on colonial rights is considered by Congress, but the delegates decide to limit their focus to specific rights infringed since 1763 (the end of the French and Indian War), postponing discussion of broader American rights to a future date. A report on the infringements of American rights is brought in by the committee, but consideration is deferred as Congress shifts to deliberating on the means of restoring those rights.
September 26, 1774 (Monday):
John Herring from Orange County, New York, arrives and joins the proceedings. Congress resumes its consideration of measures for restoring colonial rights, focusing on nonviolent means of resistance to British policies, including economic boycotts.
September 27, 1774 (Tuesday):
After further deliberation, Congress adopts a resolution prohibiting the importation of all goods, wares, and merchandise from Great Britain or Ireland after December 1, 1774, and any products imported after that date are banned from use or sale in the colonies. This resolution is a key part of the broader non-importation agreement.
September 28, 1774 (Wednesday):
A resolution is introduced by Joseph Galloway of Pennsylvania, declaring that the colonies abhor the idea of becoming independent communities. Galloway also presents his Plan of Union, which proposes a federal system where the colonies would have a representative body that works with Parliament, while remaining under British rule. This plan is debated as an alternative to complete resistance.
September 29, 1774 (Thursday):
Congress continues to debate Galloway’s Plan of Union, but many delegates are skeptical of any plan that would leave colonial autonomy too dependent on the goodwill of the British government.
September 30, 1774 (Friday):
The debate on Galloway’s Plan of Union continues, but no final decision is reached. Congress adopts a resolution banning the exportation of goods from the colonies to Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, effective September 1, 1775, unless the colonies' grievances are addressed before then. A committee is appointed to prepare a plan to enforce the non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation resolutions.
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| President Peyton Randolph |
October 1774
October 1, 1774 (Saturday):
Simon Boerum from Kings County, New York, attends for the first time. Congress continues to consider the means of restoring colonial rights. A committee is appointed to draft an address to King George III, requesting redress of the colonies' grievances.
October 3, 1774 (Monday):
Instructions are given to the committee drafting the address to the King. Congress discusses what should be included in the address, particularly which colonial grievances to emphasize.
October 4, 1774 (Tuesday):
Congress continues to deliberate on the content of the address to the King, seeking a balance between asserting colonial rights and expressing loyalty to the Crown.
October 5, 1774 (Wednesday):
The discussion on the address to the King continues, and instructions are given to the committee on the address. Congress also receives an address from William Goddard, a publisher and supporter of colonial rights.
October 6, 1774 (Thursday):
Congress resumes consideration of means to restore American rights, with a letter from the Boston Committee of Correspondence laid before Congress. This letter highlights the dire situation in Massachusetts and urges Congress to take further action. Congress agrees to consider the letter the following day.
October 7, 1774 (Friday):
The letter from the Boston Committee of Correspondence is considered. A committee is appointed to draft a letter to British General Thomas Gage, who was enforcing the Intolerable Acts in Massachusetts. This letter seeks to address growing tensions in the colony.
October 8, 1774 (Saturday):
Congress further considers the letter from Boston and approves the opposition of Massachusetts inhabitants to the recent Parliamentary Acts. Congress declares that if these acts are enforced by military force, all of America should come to Massachusetts’ defense.
October 10, 1774 (Monday):
Congress continues its deliberations on the letter from Boston and discusses the possible evacuation of the people of Boston. They agree that if the people are forced to leave, they should be recompensed by all of America for their losses. Congress also advises Massachusetts residents to cease administering justice under British laws and to detest anyone who accepts authority under the new Parliamentary Acts.
October 11, 1774 (Tuesday):
Congress drafts a letter to General Gage, advising the people of Boston to act peacefully toward British troops. A committee is appointed to prepare a memorial to the people of British America and an address to the people of Great Britain.
October 12, 1774 (Wednesday):
A plan for enforcing the Non-Importation, Non-Consumption, and Non-Exportation Agreements is presented by the committee, as Congress continues to deliberate on the rights and grievances of the colonies.
October 13, 1774 (Thursday):
The consideration of colonial rights and grievances continues, as Congress refines its strategy for resisting British policies and unifying the colonies around common goals.
October 14, 1774 (Friday):
Congress adopts resolutions formally declaring the rights and grievances of the colonies. These resolutions outline the specific rights the colonies claim and the violations committed by the British government since 1763. A letter from gentlemen in Georgia is read, discussing the situation in that colony.
October 15, 1774 (Saturday):
The Plan of Association is further considered. This plan outlines how the colonies will collectively enforce the boycott of British goods and work together to resist British policies.
October 17, 1774 (Monday):
John Dickinson of Pennsylvania joins the proceedings. Congress continues to refine the Plan of Association, which becomes a key document of collective colonial resistance.
October 18, 1774 (Tuesday):
The Plan of Association is amended and ordered to be transcribed for signing by all members. The association pledges the colonies to enforce a boycott of British goods. An address to the people of Great Britain is also presented to Congress.
October 19, 1774 (Wednesday):
The address to the people of Great Britain is considered, amended, and recommitted for further revision. A memorial to the inhabitants of the colonies is also reported to Congress for consideration.
October 20, 1774 (Thursday):
The Plan of Association is read and signed by all members of Congress. This marks a unified stance among the colonies to economically and politically resist British policies. Congress also continues deliberation on the memorial to the inhabitants of the colonies and considers other issues, including a letter from Quebec.
October 21, 1774 (Friday):
Congress considers an address to the people of Great Britain and a memorial to the inhabitants of the colonies. A committee is appointed to draft letters to the people of Quebec, and other British colonies such as Nova Scotia and Florida. Congress also resolves that any person in America who is seized and transported beyond the sea for trial, as per British policy, should be defended and that such actions should be resisted.
October 22, 1774 (Saturday):
Peyton Randolph, President of Congress, is unable to attend, and Henry Middleton of South Carolina is elected as the new President. Congress receives an address from Christopher Tully and orders its journals to be printed. Congress also resolves that a second Continental Congress will be held on May 10, 1775, unless colonial grievances are redressed before that date.
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| President Henry Middleton Painting by Benjamin West |
October 24, 1774 (Monday):
Congress receives and debates an address to the people of Quebec, which is then recommitted for further revision. The address to the King is also reported back to Congress.
October 25, 1774 (Tuesday):
Congress approves the address to the King and orders it to be engrossed. The address will be sent to the colonial agents in Britain, who are instructed to present it to the King and seek the assistance of British noblemen who support the cause of American liberty.
October 26, 1774 (Wednesday):
Congress finalizes the letter to the colonial agents and the address to the people of Quebec. The final address to the King is reviewed, and the list of colonial agents and delegates who attended Congress is compiled. Congress resolves that any attempt to transport Americans for trial in Britain should be met with resistance.
October 27, 1774 (Thursday):
Congress continues its final preparations and resolves additional procedural matters before adjourning.
October 28, 1774 (Friday):
The delegates formally dissolve the First Continental Congress, agreeing to reconvene on May 10, 1775, if their grievances are not addressed. This sets the stage for continued colonial resistance and, ultimately, the escalation toward revolution.
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].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
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 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
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.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
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