United States Congress

A legacy record dates the Department of War's establishment of the United States' first regular army to 29 September 1789 at Federal Hall; supplied passages confirm only the department's 1789 reestablishment.

The United States Congress passed the Coinage Act on April 2, 1792, establishing the United States Mint and creating the United States dollar.

The Act ordered forfeiture of any ship fitted out for foreign slave trading, with seizure and condemnation in federal circuit or district courts.

Congress met in the Capitol on November 17, 1800, with both chambers in session, moving the national capital from Philadelphia.

The 6th Congress enacted the Organic Act, placing the district under exclusive federal control and organizing it into two counties.

The City of Washington received a municipal government with a president-appointed mayor, distinct from the district's county organization.

Michigan settlers petitioned Congress in December 1804 to establish Wayne County as an independent territory, separating it from the Indiana Territory.

The United States Congress passed an act on January 11, 1805, establishing the Michigan Territory, effective June 30, 1805.

Congress authorized the construction of the first federal highway, the Cumberland Road, on March 29, 1806, with President Jefferson signing the act.

The 10th Congress passed the Embargo Act on December 22, 1807, following President Jefferson's request to restrict trade with foreign nations.

Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, authorizing land exchanges and removal west of the Mississippi River.

President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law on May 28, 1830.

Congress approved the Arkansas Constitution after a 25-hour session, admitting Arkansas as the 25th state on June 15, 1836.

Michigan formally entered the Union as the 26th state on January 26, 1837, following the resolution of a boundary dispute with Ohio.

Iowa City served as the final territorial capital until statehood was achieved on December 28, 1846.

Iowa became the 29th state in the Union on December 28, 1846, following the ratification of its constitution and election of officers.

Iowa City served as the final territorial capital until statehood was achieved on December 28, 1846.

Iowa became the 29th state in the Union on December 28, 1846, following the ratification of its constitution and election of officers.

Congress mandated a uniform national date for choosing Presidential electors to prevent cross-state influence, harmonizing practice with the 34-day legal window.

Congress overrode President Tyler's veto of a revenue cutter bill on March 3, 1845, marking the first such event in U.S. history.

Florida was admitted as the 27th U.S. state on March 3, 1845, one day before President John Tyler's term ended. It entered as a slave state, ending its status as a sanctuary for runaway slaves.

Oregon was admitted as the 33rd U.S. state on February 14, 1859, ending its territorial status.

Congress created the rank of rear admiral on July 16, 1862, to honor David Farragut's successful assault on New Orleans.

Congress approved an Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves on March 13, 1862, barring Union military and naval officers from returning fugitive slaves to their owners.

The 1864 enabling act mandated specific constitutional conditions for Nevada's admission, including the prohibition of slavery and the cession of public land claims to the federal government.

Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31, 1864, a date chosen to support the political goals of the federal government during the Civil War.

The House Committee on Appropriations was created on December 11, 1865, as part of a post-Civil War reorganization of congressional committees.

The 1866 rank was nominally four-star but held authority over the entire Army, distinct from later five-star ranks.

Congress promoted Grant to the newly created rank of General of the Army on July 25, 1866, following the Civil War.

Nebraska was admitted as the 37th U.S. state on March 1, 1867, following the rejection of its 1866 constitution due to voting rights restrictions.

Congress passed legislation on February 28, 1867, prohibiting future funding for US diplomatic missions to the Holy See, causing relations to lapse.

President Grover Cleveland signed the Interstate Commerce Act into law on February 4, 1887, following its passage by the 49th United States Congress.

North Dakota entered the Union following the Enabling Act of 1889, which split Dakota Territory into two states. Its constitutional convention was centered at Bismarck.

South Dakota entered the Union following the Enabling Act of 1889, which split Dakota Territory into two states. Its convention center was changed from Sioux Falls to Pierre.

Montana entered the Union under the Enabling Act of 1889, which permitted its entrance into the United States of America.

Washington entered the Union under the Enabling Act of 1889, which permitted its entrance into the United States of America.