Philadelphia Facts
First Continental Congress
September of 1774
On the eve of the American Revolution, Congress was convened in response to the British closure of Boston’s port. American public consensus was that a united response of the colonies was appropriate for deescalating increasing tensions with British Parliament. John Jay, a delegate from New York, was among the Congress’ youngest members. Other notable members included: George Washington, Sam Adams, and Patrick Henry.
Congress met in Carpenters’ Hall, a beautiful new building owned by the Carpenters’ Company (a trade association of contractors, architects, and skilled craftsmen). Jay respectfully disagreed with Henry’s suggestion that a new American government be formed. Jay was later tasked by Congress to draft an “Address to the People of Great Britain,” a conciliatory document to sway the British people of American concerns. Today Philadelphia is the best place to learn about the American founding. When you visit, be sure to see the Carpenters’ Hall and the Institute’s bust of John Jay on exhibit there.
