Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Continental Congress
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. First Continental Congress Marker
The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New yorkers, New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American.—Patrick Henry, Carpenters' Hall, 1774
In 1774 the American colonies felt threatened. Their grievances against Great Britain were being ignored. Was it finally time for resistance, or was reconciliation still possible?
The First Continental Congress met here in Carpenters' Hall in the autumn of 1774 to choose a course of action. Led by John and Sam Adams, and inspired by the fiery speeches of Patrick Henry, representatives of the Colonies united to defend American rights. They appealed to the King and the British people to repeal unjust laws and taxes. They condemned the closing of the port of Boston, and pledged not to trade with Britain.
Before adjourning, the Congress resolved that another congress be held the following May if their grievances were not redressed. By the time this Second Continental Congress convened, blood had already been shed at Lexington and Concord.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.
Location. 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carpenters' Hall (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Carpenters' Hall (a few steps from this marker); New Hall (a few steps from this marker); Quaker School Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Quaker Meeting House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Fawcitt House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Dock Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Carpenters' Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
2. First Continental Congress Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
3. Markers at Carpenters' Hall
The First Continental Congress marker is the one to the right.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
4. Drawing on Marker
Artist conception of Virginia delegate Patrick Henry (center) conferring with Massachusettes delegates John Adams and Samuel Adams outside Carpenters' Hall. In a letter to hsi wife Abigail, John Adams wrote, "There is in Congress a collection of the greatest men upon this continent in point of abilities, virtures and fortunes."
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
5. South side of Carpenters' Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,280 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 28, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on July 28, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
