Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
Explore our Resources
Filter by person, event, document, and theme.
![Detail from "A new and accurate map of the colony of Massachusets [i.e. Massachusetts] Bay, in North America, from a late survey," 1781 (Library of Congress)](/sites/default/files/styles/research_thumbnail/public/2023-10/springfield_loc.jpg.webp?itok=iPzx8hk3)
Defending the Springfield Armory, 1787
A report to the governor on the militia’s defense of the armory during Shays’ Rebellion
Supporting Document
Gouverneur Morris Condemns Slavery at the Constitutional Convention, 1787
Morris fervently denounces slavery—advocating against its constitutional protection and the slave trade
Supporting Document
Mercy Otis Warren on the Signing of the Constitution, 1787
Reflections on the US Constitution and the benefits and challenges of a strong central government
Supporting Document
Petition by the African Lodge of Freemasons, 1787
Black petitioners on being kidnapped from Africa and the possibility of returning to freedom in Africa
Supporting Document
Antifederalist No. 1, 1787
An early critique of the proposed Constitution, arguing the dangers of a centralized government and advocating state sovereignty
Key Document
Samuel Adams to Richard Henry Lee on the US Constitution, 1787
A letter from a leading Revolutionary who became an anti-federalist
Supporting Document
Angelica Schuyler Church Writes to Thomas Jefferson from London, 1788
A chatty letter discussing personal as well as political matters in London and the United States
Supporting Document
Federalist No. 84, 1788
One of 85 essays advocating the ratification of the Constitution, focusing on Antifederalist concerns about the need for a Bill of Rights
Key Document
Antifederalist No. 84, 1788
An expression of Antifederalists desire for a Bill of Rights in the US Constitution
Key Document
United States Constitution, 1788
A unique framework for a new government based on the idea of the consent of the governed
Key Document
Lafayette on the Ratification of the US Constitution, 1788
Letter discussing the Society of the Cincinnati and support for the US Constitution
Supporting Document
Antifederalist No. 46, 1788
An expression of Antifederalists’ concerns over federal power and the potential for tyranny in the proposed US Constitution
Key Document