Portal:Philadelphia/Selected article/November 2008

Exterior of Congress Hall.

Congress Hall is a building at 6th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that served as the seat of the U.S. Congress from December 6, 1790 to May 14, 1800, during Philadelphia's tenure as the temporary national capital. In that decade the country admitted three new states, Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee; ratified the Bill of Rights; and oversaw the Presidential inaugurations of George Washington (second term) and John Adams. Built as a municipal courthouse, Congress Hall was restored in the 20th century to its appearance in 1796. The building is now managed by the National Park Service within Independence National Historical Park, and open for tours by the public. Congress Hall should not be confused with Independence Hall, which is located next door.