Every American remembers the date July 4, 1776, 250 years ago this summer. But while the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on that day set the course for the future of a nascent country, it wasn’t until this day in 1789 when the United States became a functioning government. On March 4, 1789, the first-ever United States Congress met at Federal Hall in New York City, formally adopting the U.S. Constitution.
Long before Wall Street was a global center of finance, it was home to the first structure known as Federal Hall, completed in 1703. It was remodeled in 1789, with the intent that it would become the nation’s permanent capital. While that of course instead became Washington, D.C., Federal Hall did become the nation’s first capitol building. In April 1789, it was where George Washington took the oath of office in the first presidential inauguration. As the first seat of Congress, Federal Hall was the site of significant landmark decisions such as the adoption of the Bill of Rights and the Judiciary Act of 1789, which formed the basis of the country’s federal court system.
By the time of the third meeting of Congress in 1790, the capital had moved to Philadelphia. Federal Hall was later demolished, with a new one completed on the same site in 1842, which still stands today. It initially served as a customs house, safeguarding millions of dollars worth of precious metals until 1920. The building now is administered by the National Park Service as a national memorial and it is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday. Permanent exhibitions include a museum on Washington’s inauguration, including the Bible he was sworn in on. Ranger-guided tours are available, with reservations recommended for groups of 10 or more.
For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Main Image: Federal Hall, New York City, New York; Credit: Adobe/Kathy Images
