From 1774 to 1781, Delegates from the 13 colonies located along the eastern seaboard of British North America met in the First Continental Congress (1774) and the Second Continental Congress (1775–1781) to declare their independence from England, manage the Revolutionary War, and set the groundwork for what would become a new nation. Following the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, which created a limited central governing structure, Delegates from the states met in the Confederation Congress (1781–1789) to chart a path forward with their newfound freedom. When the Articles of Confederation proved unable to meet the needs of the young country, states sent Delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to draft a new, stronger governing document, creating the United States of America and its federal legislature, including the House of Representatives.
The Continental Congress was an itinerant legislature, often moving to escape British forces during the Revolutionary War. All told, Delegates met in nine different locations between 1774 and 1789.
When the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774, the Delegates elected a presiding officer to oversee the revolutionary legislature’s sessions. Given the title of “president,” this officer held several important parliamentary responsibilities and acted as the “first member” of the Continental Congress.
One of the legacies of the Continental and Confederation Congresses was the convening of the Federal Convention of 1787. Listed here are the 34 Continental and Confederation Congress Delegates who signed the United States Constitution.
Find materials that will aid researchers and students in gaining an understanding of the institutional developments and personalities of the pre-Federal congresses.
Read stories from daily Historical Highlights featuring the Continental and Confederation Congresses.
Learn biographical information and obtain bibliographical information for all 366 Members of the Continental and Confederation Congresses.