Described as "filled with fruits and men in suits," the Congress was a Capitol Square bar popular with journalists, legislators, lawyers, educators, and other professionals. According to alumni, it was also a popular cruising space with a very active tearoom trade before the Gay Purges of 1962-1963. Destroyed by fire on January 14, 1966, the Congress was rebuilt and remained open until 1972. The space later became popular gay disco Going My Way.