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This Week in House History
The historical highlights featured in This Week in House History are written by the historians, archivists, and curators who preserve the history of the U.S House of Representatives. New highlights are added weekly. The collection, searchable by date or subject, includes more than 400 historical House events.
Rhode Island Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
May 29, 1790
On this date, Rhode Island became the 13th state to enter the Union after ratifying the Constitution. Ironically, the new state's late arrival came after the new federal government commenced on April 1, 1789, and the First Congress had already passed 12 proposed amendments to the Constitution. Rhode Island was the only state not to send a representative to the Constitutional Convention, which approved the document on September 17, 1787.
Freshman Member Wins First Congressional Horseshoe Tournament
May 30, 1930
On this date, freshman Representative Fred G. Johnson won the title "Champion Horseshoe Pitcher of Congress" by defeating fellow GOP Congressman and Majority Whip Albert H. Vestal in the first congressional horseshoe tournament.
House Creates Judiciary Committee
June 01, 1813
On this date, Representative John George Jackson introduced a measure to create the Committee on the Judiciary. When it passed two days later, the Judiciary Committee became the thirteenth standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
House Pilots Constituent Email System
June 02, 1993
On this date, the House Administration Committee announced a pilot program to establish a "Constituent Electronic Mail System." While the House had created a rudimentary internal e-mail system in the early 1980s, this marked the first time that citizens could communicate directly with their Members of Congress via "an electronic gateway to the Internet."