Articles of Confederation - York, PA
N 39° 57.668 W 076° 43.889
18S E 352113 N 4424878
A popular favorite is the walking tour of the 18 York murals. Among them is this mural completed in 1999. The mural captures members of the 2nd Continental Congress, meeting in York, deliberating on a draft of the Articles of Confederation in 1777.
Waymark Code: WMH5VA
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 05/27/2013
Views: 8
The Lincoln Highway in this part of York is split into two lanes, each one way. Along both ways are examples of York's famous mural walk. The works of art are on the sides of large buildings and usually accompanied by an empty lot so picture taking is a snap. Parking is available along the street so as to allow leisurely strolling to truly appreciate and take in the best of what downtown York has to offer. The murals are part of the revitalization efforts of downtown York.
The Murals of York, PA are a series of murals painted on the sides of buildings in York, Pennsylvania between 1996 and 2002. Paid for with local donations, the murals provide the community with details about some lesser-known people, businesses, and customs of the city while adding artistic beauty. The York County Heritage Trust owns and shares rights to the use of the mural images.
The mural was finished in 1999 and you can go see it today at 166 West Market Street. The mural shows the members of the Second Continental Congress meeting to discuss the Articles of Confederation at the courthouse in York. The Articles of Confederation included rules that they wanted the 13 colonies to follow. Many men took a lot of time to discuss what should be in the Articles of Confederation, which were sent to the 13 colonies for approval in 1777. The Articles of Confederation were also adopted as the nation's first Constitution.[2] The mural shows the important role York played in the writing of the Articles of Confederation. The mural is 21 feet wide and 20 feet high. David Naydock from Pottsville brought this special moment to life. SOURCE
There is an accompanying marker attached to the brick wall. it reads:
The Articles of Confederation
In November 1777, the Article of Confederation , a
forerunner to the United States Constitution, were
adopted in York. The committee who wrote this document
were members of the second Continental Congress.
Because these articles coined the name "United States of
America," and were in effect for almost a decade,
York rightfully proclaims itself the nation's first capital.
Artist: David Naydock
© 1999 York Murals, Inc.
Background
Debate over the wording of a draft of the Articles of Confederation occupied Continental Congress delegates almost daily in October and early November 1777 as they met in York County's Centre Square courthouse. The nation's founders came to York on Sept. 30 after invading British troops forced them from Philadelphia. Congress adopted the articles on Nov. 15, 1777, and sent the document to the 13 colonies for ratification. The Articles officially became law on March 1, 1781, when Maryland ratified the document.
The Articles provided for a loose confederation of independent states and became the nation's first constitution. It ensured that each of the states would retain authority, and no tyrannical central government would prevail. These strengths proved to be weaknesses. The Articles did not give the Continental Congress authority to make the states work together on national issues because the legislative body could not interfere with states or their citizens. The weakness of the central government under the Articles became more apparent after the Revolution, reinforcing the view of the document as a "rope of sand." SOURCE