111th Congress, 2nd Session
The interim federal capital in Philadelphia
December 06, 1790
On this date, the First Congress (1789–1791) convened in Philadelphia for the opening of its second session. Congress had just relocated from New York City, and awaited the construction of a permanent Capitol along the banks of the Potomac River, according to the provisions of the Residence Act of 1790. A spirited debate in the House occurred to determine the site of the temporary Capitol. Members were divided over whether to remain in New York City or to move to Baltimore or Philadelphia. With a vote of 38 to 22, Members chose Philadelphia as an interim capital, largely because the city served as the social, financial, cultural, and geographic center of the young nation then clustered along the eastern seaboard. Not originally designed for the needs of the new government, Philadelphia’s Congress Hall held both the House and Senate Chambers. Committee rooms and the Clerk’s office were located in another building. Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital until 1800, when the federal government moved to its permanent home in Washington, D. C.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=90, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Interior of the House Chamber at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, PA
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
