First Continental Congress Collection

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. Chaplain Jacob Duche leading the first prayer in the First Continental Congress at Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, September 1774: mezzotint, 1848

PATRICK HENRY (1736-1799). American revolutionary hero and orator. Henry speaking to the First Continental Congress in 1774. After a painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1895

George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Pendleton travel to the First Continental Congress at Philadelphia in
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Pendleton travel to the First Continental Congress at Philadelphia in September 1774

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Pendleton travel to the First Continental Congress at Philadelphia in September 1774

CARPENTERS HALL. View of Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia, where the First Continental Congress met in 1774. Line drawing

WALL CANDLE, 1774. Wall candle with reflector used in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, for the First Continental Congress, 1774. Watercolor, c1845

HAMILTON: PAMPHLET, 1774. Title page to Alexander Hamiltons A Full Vindication of the Measures of Congress from the Calumnies of the Enemies

PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, 1774. Broadside, 5 December 1774, from the Provincial Congress at Cambridge, Massachusetts, with extract of minutes from the Continental Congress

American Revolutionary leader. Line and stipple engraving, early 19th century
JOSEPH HEWES (1730-1779). American Revolutionary leader. Line and stipple engraving, early 19th century

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. The American Congress. English line engraving from Cowleys History of England
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. The American Congress. Line engraving, English, late 18th century, from Cowleys History of England

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. The first Continental Congress held in Philadelphia, September 1774. Line engraving, French, 1783

Title page of The Congress Canvassed, 1774, by A. W. Farmer, pseudonym of Samuel Seabury, a loyalist
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. Title page of The Congress Canvassed, 1774, by A.W. Farmer, pseudonym of Samuel Seabury, a loyalist. This critical Farmers Letter is addressed To the Merchants of New York

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. Chaplain Jacob Duch

CARPENTERs HALL. Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, meeting-place of the First and Second Continental Congresses of 1774 and 1775. Illustration by Howard Pyle (1853-1911)

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. Chaplain Jacob Duch leading the first prayer in the Continental Congress
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774. Chaplain Jacob Duch© leading the first prayer in the Continental Congress. A key to print of The First Prayer in the Continental Congress

EVRV2A-00065
Opening prayer of the First Continental Congress in Carpenters Hall Philadelphia, 1774. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EVRV2A-00078
Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, where the First Continental Congress met. Hand-colored halftone of a 19th-century illustration

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The First Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia in September 1774, marked a pivotal moment in American history. As delegates from the thirteen colonies gathered at Carpenters Hall, they were united by a common purpose – to address the grievances and challenges they faced under British rule. Chaplain Jacob Duche opened the proceedings with a solemn prayer, seeking divine guidance for their deliberations. The presence of esteemed figures such as Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Edmund Pendleton added gravitas to the congress. These men were not only respected leaders but also passionate advocates for liberty and independence. Inside Carpenters Hall, heated debates ensued as delegates discussed various issues plaguing their communities. They grappled with questions of taxation without representation, trade restrictions imposed by Britain, and violations of colonial rights. It was here that Patrick Henry delivered his powerful oration that would echo through history – "Give me liberty or give me death. " Outside Carpenters Hall, the bustling streets of Philadelphia witnessed an influx of visitors and onlookers eager to witness this historic event. Artists like Jean Leon Gerome Ferris captured these scenes on canvas while Felix Octavius Darley immortalized them in steel engravings. As days turned into weeks and discussions continued within those hallowed walls, it became clear that unity among the colonies was crucial for their survival against British oppression. The Provincial Congress at Cambridge issued broadsides expressing solidarity with their fellow colonists across America. The significance of this gathering did not go unnoticed abroad either; French line engravings depicted scenes from the first Continental Congress as news spread throughout Europe about these brave Americans standing up against tyranny. In retrospect, we can see how instrumental this congress was in laying down the foundations for future revolutionary action. It set forth a path towards independence that would culminate in the signing of the Declaration of Independence just two years later.