What was the first capital of USA? This question often piques the curiosity of history enthusiasts and novices alike. The answer, surprisingly, is not what many people might initially assume. The first capital of the United States was not New York City, Philadelphia, or even Washington D.C., but rather, a small town in New Jersey named Trenton.
The United States of America, as we know it today, was born out of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, the government of the new nation was not immediately established in a permanent capital. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress, which was the governing body of the United States at the time, had to meet in various locations to avoid British troops.
One of the earliest meetings of the Continental Congress took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1774. But it was not until 1777 that the Congress decided to establish a permanent capital. The choice of location was influenced by a variety of factors, including the need for a central location that was relatively safe from British attacks.
In November 1779, the Continental Congress moved to Princeton, New Jersey, which became the first capital of the United States. Princeton was chosen because it was a central location and had a relatively strong military presence. However, the Congress did not stay long in Princeton. In 1783, the Congress moved to Annapolis, Maryland, for a brief period before relocating to New York City in 1785.
New York City served as the capital until 1789, when the new federal government moved to Philadelphia. This move was temporary, as the capital was soon to be moved again. In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act, which designated the federal government’s capital to be in the District of Columbia, a new city that was being planned and built on the banks of the Potomac River.
The District of Columbia was chosen as the new capital because it was located in the middle of the United States, making it accessible to all states. However, the construction of the new city took several years, and in 1800, the government moved to the new capital, which was renamed Washington D.C. in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
In conclusion, the first capital of the USA was Trenton, New Jersey, a small town that played a significant role in the early history of the nation. While Trenton’s tenure as the capital was brief, it is a testament to the dynamic nature of the young nation and its evolving capital cities.
