Laura Wax

Soon after the Declaration of Independence, British forces began to advance on Philadelphia in an attempt to capture the colonists’ capital. To avoid such an eventuality, Congress moved to Baltimore in the winter of 1776-77. From December 20, 1776, until February 22, 1777, Congress assembled in the Henry Fite House which had been built as an inn and tavern around 1770. At the time, it was the largest building in Baltimore and provided ample room and comfort for members of Congress to meet and conduct business. A three-story and attic brick house, it was about 92 feet wide along Market Street and 50 or 55 feet on the side streets. It had 14 rooms, a full cellar, kitchen, wash-house, other out-buildings, and a stable large enough for 30 horses. Situated on the western edge of town, the Fite House was beyond easy reach of British ships and artillery should they attempt to sail up the Harbor and Patapsco River to shell the town. During its two months as the nation’s seat of government, it was known as “Congress Hall.”