was philadelphia the first capital of the united states

Was Philadelphia the First Capital of the United States?

Yes, Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. While not the initial capital under the Articles of Confederation, it became the capital after the ratification of the Constitution, playing a crucial role in the early years of the nation.

However, it’s important to note that before Philadelphia, other cities held the title of capital under different governmental structures.

Early Capitals Under the Articles of Confederation

Prior to the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788, the Continental Congress and later the Congress of the Confederation served as the governing bodies of the nascent nation. Under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), several cities served as the capital:

• **Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1775-1776, 1777-1777, 1778-1783):** The Second Continental Congress initially met in Philadelphia.
• **Baltimore, Maryland (1776-1777):** Congress briefly relocated to Baltimore during the British advance.
• **Lancaster, Pennsylvania (September 27, 1777):** A single day.
• **York, Pennsylvania (1777-1778):** Congress met here while Philadelphia was occupied by the British.
• **Princeton, New Jersey (1783):** A short session was held in Princeton.
• **Annapolis, Maryland (1783-1784):** The Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War, was ratified here.
• **Trenton, New Jersey (November – December 1784):** Congress met briefly in Trenton.
• **New York City, New York (1785-1790):** New York City was the capital when the Constitution was drafted and initially implemented.

Philadelphia as the Capital Under the Constitution (1790-1800)

With the ratification of the Constitution, a new government was established. New York City remained the capital briefly, but the Residence Act of 1790 designated a permanent capital to be established on the Potomac River (later Washington, D.C.). As a compromise, Philadelphia was chosen as the temporary capital while the new capital city was being constructed. During this decade, Philadelphia witnessed significant events in early American history, including:

• The establishment of the First Bank of the United States.
• The Whiskey Rebellion.
• The growth of political parties.

You can learn more about US Capitals on Wikipedia.

The Move to Washington, D.C.

In 1800, as planned, the federal government moved from Philadelphia to the newly constructed Washington, D.C., which has remained the capital ever since.

FAQs

Why was Philadelphia chosen as the temporary capital?

Philadelphia was a large, well-established city with suitable infrastructure and buildings to house the federal government. It also held significant historical importance as the site of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention.

When did Philadelphia stop being the capital?

Philadelphia ceased to be the capital in 1800 when the federal government relocated to Washington, D.C.

What important events happened in Philadelphia when it was the capital?

Key events included the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, debates surrounding the assumption of state debts, and early political party formation.

Why did the capital move from Philadelphia to Washington D.C.?

The move was part of a compromise to appease Southern states and establish a centrally located federal capital, geographically distinct from existing state power centers.

What was the first official capital of the United States?

New York City was the first official capital under the newly ratified Constitution. However, earlier capitals existed under the Articles of Confederation, making it more accurate to say Philadelphia was the first temporary capital under the US Constitution.

Summary

While various cities served as capitals under the Articles of Confederation, Philadelphia became the temporary capital of the United States under the Constitution from 1790 to 1800 before the permanent capital was established in Washington, D.C. Philadelphia played a vital role in the early development of the nation’s government and institutions.