You Think Politics Are Vicious These Days?
The U.S. government was relatively new, but the first brawl on the congressional floor occurred in Philadelphia on January 30, 1798.The U.S. Congress met at the State House in Philadelphia from 1783 through 1800. This particular altercation occurred in the House of Representatives when Matthew Lyon of Vermont and Roger Griswold of Connecticut argued heatedly. History tells us that Lyon spat in Griswold's face. Although a resolution to expel Lyon was introduced, the measure failed and Lyon maintained his seat.
Congress moved into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in 1800. This painting by Samuel F.B. Morse depicts the first location of the House of Representatives there. When the House moved to larger quarters in 1857, the Old House of Representatives became, and still is, Statuary Hall.
Pictured: Samuel F.B. Morse, 1791–1872, Study for the Old House of Representatives, about 1821, oil on panel, 8 1/4 x 13 3/4 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through a grant from the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
The U.S. government was relatively new, but the first brawl on the congressional floor occurred in Philadelphia on January 30, 1798.The U.S. Congress met at the State House in Philadelphia from 1783 through 1800. This particular altercation occurred in the House of Representatives when Matthew Lyon of Vermont and Roger Griswold of Connecticut argued heatedly. History tells us that Lyon spat in Griswold's face. Although a resolution to expel Lyon was introduced, the measure failed and Lyon maintained his seat.