These uses of the building had left it, in the words of a member of the Congress, in “a most filthy and sordid situation,” with “the inside torn much to pieces.” Extensive cleaning and repairs were required to refit the building for meetings of the State Government and the Congress. The Assembly took advantage of this need for repairs to enlarge their temporary quarters in the southeast corner of the upper floor. This was done by removing the partition between their chamber and the “long room.” The new space then became approximately the same size as the Assembly Room on the first floor.
John Adams, one of the most active members of the Continental Congress, and the “ablest advocate and defender” of the Declaration of Independence, played a major role in the achievement of independence. Painting by Charles Willson Peale, before 1795. Independence Hall collection.
The Revolutionary period also saw an alteration on the exterior of the State House—the removal of the badly decayed wooden steeple above the brick tower. The Assembly considered this step as early as 1773, but the project was not carried out until 1781. After the steeple was removed, the brick tower was covered with a low, sloping, hipped roof, surmounted by a slender finial.
In 1783, a body of mutinous soldiers surrounded the State House and demanded back pay from Congress. Although the members of Congress were unharmed, the incident led to their moving to Princeton. The Congress of the Confederation never returned to the State House.
“To Form a More Perfect Union”
With the return of peace in 1783 came also postwar depression. Hard times created discontent. By 1786, in Massachusetts, this flared into an open insurrection known as Shays’ Rebellion. This affair (perhaps not so serious as often painted) helped point up the weakness of Congress and intensify the movement already begun to amend the Articles of Confederation. A stronger central government was needed. As a result, a convention was called by the Congress.
“Congress Voting Independence, July 4, 1776.” Painting begun by Robert E. Pine (c. 1784), and completed after his death by Edward Savage. Courtesy Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
