Continental Congress Convened: Colonies Unite
Fifty-six delegates from twelve colonies (Georgia didn't attend) convened at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, forming the First Continental Congress. The delegates included George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Jay. They were responding to Britain's Intolerable Acts, which had closed Boston Harbor and suspended Massachusetts' self-governance after the Tea Party. Congress adopted the Continental Association, a comprehensive boycott of British goods enforced by local committees that effectively became shadow governments. They also drafted a petition to King George III listing their grievances. The petition was ignored. The Congress agreed to reconvene in May 1775 if their demands were not met. By then, shots had already been fired at Lexington and Concord.
September 5, 1774
252 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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