United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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11th Congress (1809–1811)

Congressional Profile

Total Membership:

  • 142 Representatives
  • 3 Delegates

Party Divisions:*

  • 50 Federalists
  • 92 Jeffersonian Republicans

*Party division totals are based on election day results.

Congress Overview

England’s war with Napoleon monopolized the attention of the 11th Congress (1809–1811) as the United States attempted to navigate between the two European powers. At President James Madison’s prodding, though, Congress tried once more to pass legislation to dissuade Europe’s main powers from impressing U.S. sailors and seizing its merchant ships. Congress simultaneously took advantage of European turmoil by authorizing the acquisition of Spanish West Florida.

Historical Highlights

Learn more about the House in Historical Highlights.

Member Information

  • Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, (1774–2005), Official Annotated Membership Roster by State with Vacancy and Special Election Information for the 11th Congress. [PDF]
  • Learn more about the House of Representatives with an interactive map

Learn more about the People of the People's House

Committee Information

Leadership & Officers

Speaker of the House:
Joseph B. Varnum (D–Massachusetts)
Clerk of the House:
Patrick Magruder
Sergeant at Arms:
Thomas Dunn
Chaplain of the House:
Jesse Lee – Methodist
Obadiah Bruen Brown – Baptist
Doorkeeper:
Thomas Claxton

To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, visit the People section

Legislative Activities

A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation
U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875 (LOC)

Session Dates

Saturday/Sunday Sessions

Joint Meetings, Joint Sessions, & Inaugurations

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov