Fun Fact Friday: Nov. 15 marks 247 years since the adoption of the Articles in York
By Valerie Long
History Center staff
Of course, today’s fun fact Friday HAS to be about the Articles of Confederation! Since today is the anniversary!
For those of you that don’t know, one of our big claims to fame here in York, during our Revolutionary War period, was that Continental Congress was here for nine months and during that time period they adopted a document called the Articles of Confederation. (We have a copy on display in the exhibit!). The Articles are thought to be our first constitution. It’s for this reason folks try and argue that we’re the first capital. We are not.
What’s in the Articles? The naming of our country, deciding the roles of states vs the central government, a love of Canada, and so much more!
I encourage you all today to read the Articles. You can do that on the National Archives website here.
One of the neat things is there is a copy of Articles that must have been in York because there are edits and notations of approval in October of 1777. While they’re here in York! This edited document will be the central piece of the Hard Bargains story walk that will soon be in the parking lot by the Codorus Creek across from our front entrance.
Finally, I want to share some of the letters shared when the Articles were adopted.
It’s important to remember that this was a challenging thing that was accomplished here in York: for the members of the Continental Congress to agree on important matters when they did not like each other and mistrusted each other (sound familiar?). And yet, they managed to put aside these differences to adopt the Articles, which crucially helped bring the French to their side in the fight against the British. Their ability to do this is something worth remembering and celebrating.
Have a wonderful Friday! Come out and see us on Saturday at Articles of Confederation Day!
UPDATE: Here are a few of the photos from Articles Day, courtesy of photographer Randy Flaum.
Valerie Long is manager of school programs at the History Center.
