John Adams
Second President of the United States (1797-1801)
Signer of Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights
Signer of Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights
Biography
John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was the second president of the United States (1797–1801), having earlier served as the first vice president of the United States. An American Founding Father, he was a statesman, diplomat, and a leading advocate of American independence from Great Britain. Well educated, he was an Enlightenment political theorist who promoted republicanism and wrote prolifically about his often seminal ideas... » Full Bio» See All 'Quotable Quotes'
This Day In History 213 Years Ago
May 15, 2013
President John Adams Orders
Federal Government To Washington, D.C.
President John Adams Orders
Federal Government To Washington, D.C.
On this day in 1800, President John Adams orders the federal government to pack up and leave Philadelphia and set up shop in the nation's new capital in Washington, D.C.
After Congress adjourned its last meeting in Philadelphia on May 15, Adams told his cabinet to make sure Congress and all federal offices were up and running smoothly in their new headquarters by June 15, 1800. Philadelphia officially ceased to serve as the nation's capital as of June 11, 1800.
At the time, there were only about 125 federal employees. Official documents and archives were transferred from Philadelphia to the new capital by ship over inland waterways. President and Mrs. Adams did not move in to the (unfinished) president's mansion until November of that year. Settling in to the White House was a challenge for the new first lady. In December, Abigail Adams wrote to a friend later she had to line-dry their clothes in what eventually became the East Room. » Full Article
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