Washington , D.C. , has n’t always been the political shopping center of the United States . In fact , nine dissimilar metropolis across the land have served as the res publica ’s capital at one point or another , even if only for a day ( and technically , some of them ca n’t be name capitals of the United States , but the capital of the colony ) .
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The First Continental Congress had to meet inCarpenters ’ Hallfrom September 5 to October 26 , 1774 , because Independence Hall was being used by the Pennsylvania General Assembly . Philly has been home to Congress academic session on six separate occasions , create it the most frequent U.S. capital ( although not the longest - used one ) .
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore , Maryland , was in brief the capital when the Continental Congress decided it would be adept to get out of Philadelphia since the British were coming . They thought Baltimore might be a dear temporary dwelling , but they were amiss : one delegate rudelycalled the town“an extravagant mess . ” They returned to Philly as soon as potential — but did n’t stay for long . By September , the situation was taking a turn for the worse again .
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This metropolis has the distinction of being capital for merelya day . On September 27 , 1777 , the Continental Congress was forced to flee Philadelphia because the British had squeeze them out during the American Revolution . They met there for just a exclusive day before moving even farther away from the redcoats .
York, Pennsylvania
Yorkis in reality where the Articles of Confederation were drafted . York sometimes declares itself the “ First Capital of the United States ” because the Articles of Confederation are the first know legal documents to actually refer to the colonies as “ the United States of America . ” The Declaration of Independence uses the musical phrase as well , but some historians say it was n’t a legal text file at the meter because the colonies were still under British rule .
Princeton, New Jersey
Nassau Hall host the Congress of the Confederation from July through October 1783 . Princeton Universitysays thatwhile Congress was here , they “ congratulate George Washington on his termination of the war , receive news show of the signing of the definitive accord of ataraxis with Great Britain , and welcomed the first extraneous minister — from the Netherlands — accredited to the United States . ” The cause why Congress adjourned to Princeton is pretty interesting : they were mobbed at Independence Hall by a clump of soldiers need payment for the Revolutionary War . Instead of pay them , Congress elect to move from township to Ithiel Town for the next few long time .
Annapolis, Maryland
The Maryland State House in Annapolis served a alike use from November 26 , 1783 to August 13 , 1784 , and a couple of historical event took place here : George Washingtonresignedas commander in chief of the Continental Army , and the Articles of Confederation were ratified ( although the latter was in reality done a couple of years prior to Congress occupying the State House ) .
Trenton, New Jersey
The Congress of the Confederation held their get together here at the French Arms Tavern . But do n’t guess that our early politicians were just slacking off and enjoying a pint or two — the construction really was the most suitable based on its size of it . One historiancalled it“The handsomest and most convenient mansion in Trenton in its daylight . ”
New York, New York
Federal Hallin New York City was home to Congress for a total of about four year . It ’s where Washington had his inauguration as the first president of the United States . In fact , when the first United States Congress encounter there in 1789 , the first thing they did was tally the vote that would announce Washington air force officer in chief . In turn , Washington adjudge that a lasting housing solution for the frequently - traveling lawmakers was in club . you’re able to still see Federal Hall to this 24-hour interval ; it ’s on Wall Street .
Washington, D.C.
last , in 1790 , theResidence Actwas pass . This render George Washington the freedom to pick a place for the permanent capital and allowed him to give builder 10 years to complete the job . He chose D.C. for its situation on the Potomac River and to passably appease James Madison and Thomas Jefferson , who want a more southerly location for the capital than New York , which is where they had been conform to for several years prior .
get word More Early United States History :
A adaptation of this tale originally ran in 2009 ; it has been update for 2025 .
