The first U.S. Congress met at Federal Hall in New York City when the constitutional government began operating in 1789.
The 1st United States Congress opened on March 4, 1789, although the House and Senate did not achieve quorums until April 1 and April 6. Its first session took place at Federal Hall in New York City, then the national capital. Congress later moved to Congress Hall in Philadelphia for subsequent sessions.
Federal Hall was also the site of George Washington’s first inauguration as president on April 30, 1789. The building therefore connected the launch of the legislative and executive branches under the new Constitution.
Federal Hall should not be confused with Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted. Nor should it be confused with Congress Hall, which hosted Congress after the capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790.