apr 24, 1800 - Creation of the Congressional library

Description:

james Madison is credited with the idea for creating a congressional library, first making such a proposition in 1783.[7] The Library of Congress was established April 24, 1800, when President John Adams signed an act of Congress providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new capital city of Washington. Part of the legislation appropriated $5,000 "for the purchase of such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress ..., and for fitting up a suitable apartment for containing them...."[8] Books were ordered from London and the collection, consisting of 740 books and 3 maps, was housed in the new Capitol.