Timeline of the Congress By chad_dolphin Period: Dec 1, 1780 to Dec 1, 1980 Timeline of The Congress Mar 4, 1789 First Congress under New Congress Oct 1, 1800 Congresss moves to the bank of the Patomic River, where it still is today Oct 13, 1811 Henry Clay was elected to speaker of congress, the balance of power shifts to Congress. Oct 13, 1812 Congress Declares war for the first time. Oct 13, 1819 Capitol was Rebuilt. Oct 13, 1820 Congress passed, The Missouri Compromise Oct 13, 1850 Over 21,000 Post Offices throught America Oct 13, 1850 California argument over whether if would be a free or slave state. Oct 13, 1860 Abraham Lincoln is elected President Apr 12, 1861 Civil War Starts Oct 13, 1863 The Great Dome was finished Oct 13, 1865 Ammendment to Abolish Slavery Oct 13, 1868 Congress voted to Impeach the President Oct 13, 1917 Asked for Declaration of War against Germany Oct 13, 1941 Congress Declares war after the Pearl Harbor Bombings