First Continental Congress Convenes

Fifty-six delegates from twelve colonies gathered at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia to coordinate a response to the Coercive Acts. Over seven weeks they debated, argued, and ultimately agreed on a boycott of British goods, a petition to King George III, and a plan to reconvene the following spring if grievances were not addressed.

The choice of Philadelphia was strategic. It was the largest and most centrally located colonial city, accessible by road and water. Carpenters' Hall, rather than the Pennsylvania State House, was chosen partly to signal independence from the colonial government. The Congress established the precedent of intercolonial cooperation that would carry through the war.