The Peace Corps was started by Executive Order 10924 on March 1 , 1961 , and allowed by Congress on September 22 , 1961 , with passage of the Peace Corps Act ( Public Law 87-293 ) . It was established by Executive Order 10924 on March 1 , 1961 , and authorized by the Congress on September 22 , 1961 , with passage of the Peace Corps Act ( Public Law 87-293 ) .