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Louisiana Purchase: A Legislative Timeline

1804-1805 (8th Congress, 2nd Session)

Thomas Jefferson continues to press Congress on the purchase of Louisiana, culminating with him signing “An act further providing for the government of the district of Louisiana" into law in 1805. A timeline of significant dates and activities in the 2nd session of the 8th Congress is included below.

November 8, 1804

Thomas Jefferson presents his Fourth Annual Message to Congress, which mentions disagreements with Spain regarding the Louisiana territory and the formation of a temporary government in Louisiana.

Thomas Jefferson sends papers to Congress relating to the opposition of Spain to the cession of Louisiana to the United States.

Thomas Jefferson sends a message to Congress containing a “Description of the Lead Mines in Upper Louisiana.”

December 3, 1804

The House of Representatives receives “a memorial from the inhabitants of Louisiana, said to be signed by 2,000 heads of families, which takes a view of the laws of the United States, for their Territorial government.”

December 31, 1804

The Senate receives a communication entitled “Remonstrance of the People of Louisiana.”

January 5, 1805

The House of Representatives receives a communication entitled “Remonstrance of the People of Louisiana.”

January 7, 1805

The Senate introduces “a bill for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to land within the Territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana.”

January 25, 1805

The House of Representatives refers to a Committee of the Whole House a report on the “Revision of the Political System Adopted for Louisiana.”

January 28, 1805

The House of Representatives passes a resolution “That provision ought to be made, by law, for extending to the inhabitants of Louisiana the right of self-government.”

January 29, 1805

The Senate reports and reads “A Bill further providing for the government of the Territory of Orleans.”

February 16, 1805

The Senate amends “the bill further providing for the government of the Territory of Orleans.”

February 18, 1805

The Senate passes “An Act further providing for the government of the Territory of Orleans.”

February 19, 1805

The House of Representatives reads and orders to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House “An Act Further providing for the government of the territory of Orleans.”

February 27, 1805

The House of Representatives amends and passes “An act for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to land, within the Territory of Orleans, and the District of Louisiana.”

February 28, 1805

The Senate agrees to House amendments and passes “An act for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to land, within the Territory of Orleans, and the district of Louisiana.”

March 1, 1805

The Senate amends and passes “a bill further providing for the government of the district of Louisiana.”

The House of Representatives passes “An act further providing for the government of the Territory of Orleans.”

March 2, 1805

Thomas Jefferson signs into law “An Act further providing for the government of the territory of Orleans.”

Thomas Jefferson signs into law “An act for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to land, within the territory of Orleans, and the district of Louisiana.”

The House of Representatives passes “An act further providing for the government of the district of Louisiana.”

March 3, 1805

Thomas Jefferson signs into law “An act further providing for the government of the district of Louisiana.”