In 1850 Congress passed a law that gave several states wetlands within their state boundaries.[clarification needed] The Swamp Land Act of 1850 ensured that the state would be responsible for funding the attempts at developing wetlands into farmlands.[14] Florida quickly formed a committee to consolidate grants to pay for such attempts, though attention and funds were diverted owing to the Civil War and Reconstruction. Not until after 1877 did attention return to the Everglades.