The Supreme Court hears its next case in a few weeks. But 229 years ago today, the Court’s first session was commencing.
On February 1, 1790, SCOTUS met to convene for the first time in New York City. No quorum was met that day, however, so the court officially came to order for the first time the following day.
President George Washington nominated six initial justices to that first court. They were:
- John Jay (Chief Justice)
- John Rutledge
- William Cushing
- John Blair
- James Wilson
- Robert Harrison
The size of the United States Supreme Court changed six times during the 19th century, from as many as 10 justices to as few as five.
Click here to learn more about the history of SCOTUS.