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Philadelphia, day 2Aug 31, 2009
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Aug. 31--We walked around what is known as Independence National Historic Park. This is the birthplace of our nation. We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (which became the name after the First Continental Congress met), Ben Franklin's home, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, etc.
England ruled over the colonies, and it taxed everything. The colonists were over here working hard, clearing land, farming, etc, and had no say in what was happening to them. Taxation without representation. That was the focus for independence. Now don't think that the First and Second Continental Congress was an easy thing. These guys couldn't agree on most matters. It was a slug fest to get something done. The only thing they did agree on was independence. Anyway, you know what happened.
One of the things that had me confused was the different capital cities. Here's what happened and why:
Sept. 1774 The First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
Between 1775 and 1781 The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
June 1783 After gaining independence the Congress of Confederation meets in Philadelphia--then soldiers from the American Revolution storm Congress demanding to be paid their back wages from the war. Of course Congress doesn't have the money just now, the country is brand new, and Congress calls the local militia to keep the angry soldiers away. Guess what, the militia sides with the soldiers and doesn't move them out.
June 21, 1783 Congress flees to Princeton, NJ -- they also meet in Annapolis, Maryland, and Trenton, NJ before settling in New York City
1789 The US Constitution is ratified and NY City remains the Capital until 1790
1790 Philadelphia is chosen to be the temporary Capital for 10 years until Washington, DC would be ready
So now you know the rest of the story.
And the adventure continues,
Ken
