The Thirty-Seventh Congress of the United States convened from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. This Congress was significant as it took place during the early years of the American Civil War, a conflict that arose from tensions over slavery and states' rights. The Congress was composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with many members facing the challenges of a divided nation. During this period, the Thirty-Seventh Congress passed important legislation, including the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, which aimed to promote westward expansion and education. The Congress also dealt with issues related to the war, such as funding the Union Army and addressing the needs of soldiers and their families.