In the latter part of 1777, the Continental Congress faced increasing pressure and danger from the British military forces. Philadelphia, the location of the Congress, was threatened by the approach of British troops which compelled Congress to evacuate. On September 27, 1777, the Congress convened in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, making it the temporary capital of the United States for that day. This pivotal moment underscored the unrest and fluidity of the Revolutionary War and the continuous struggle for control and governance. The local courthouse became the site where delegates met in the face of overwhelming uncertainty regarding their safety and the future of their nascent nation.

Lancaster, located in the heart of Pennsylvania, was not prepared to host Congress, yet it illustrated the adaptability and becomes a focal point for American governance during a crisis. The assembly lasted only briefly, highlighting the dire state of American defense and Congress's mobility in response to the military pressures of the British army. Throughout the session, members of Congress would have been deeply aware of the importance of their discussions, as they were literally fighting for the survival of their vision for the United States.

Though this assembly did not result in significant legislation nor was it a permanent move, it demonstrated a key moment of resilience amidst hardship. The Congress later moved even further away from the British threat, eventually relocating to York, Pennsylvania, before returning to Philadelphia in 1778. Lancaster's brief experience as the capital highlights the challenges faced during the war while also demonstrating the ongoing efforts to maintain governance and structure rather than succumb to the chaos.