What is the primary scope of this list concerning capitals in the United States?

This list comprehensively covers capital cities within the United States, including those that have served or currently serve as federal, state, insular area, territorial, colonial, and Native American capitals.

When did Washington, D.C. officially become the federal capital of the United States?

Washington, D.C. has been the federal capital of the United States since 1800, marking a significant point in the nation's history.

What historical legislative act established the site for the U.S. national capital?

The Residence Act, passed in 1790, designated the site along the Potomac River for the national capital, which would eventually become Washington, D.C.

Which cities served as temporary national capitals before Washington, D.C. was established?

Before Washington, D.C., New York City hosted the 1st Congress, and Philadelphia served as the temporary capital for ten years from 1790 to 1800.

Did the United States have a permanent capital during the period governed by the Articles of Confederation?

No, the United States did not have a permanent capital under the Articles of Confederation, with various cities serving as meeting places for Congress.

When and where did the U.S. Congress last convene outside of Washington, D.C. for a ceremonial purpose?

Congress last met outside Washington, D.C., on September 6, 2002, at the Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City, to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Previously, they met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1987.

What information is provided in the 'Since' column of the state capitals table?

The 'Since' column indicates the year a particular city began serving as the capital of its state, or the capital of the preceding governmental entities like colonies or territories.

Which state was the last to change its capital city, and in what year did this occur?

Oklahoma was the last state to move its capital city, with the change taking place in 1910.

How many U.S. states have relocated their capital cities at least once?

Ten of the original thirteen states and an additional fifteen states have changed their capital cities at least one time throughout their history.

What does the light yellow highlighting in the state capitals table signify?

The light yellow highlighting in the state capitals table indicates that the population figures provided are for a micropolitan statistical area (μSA).

What are the capitals of the listed U.S. insular areas?

The capitals of the listed U.S. insular areas are Pago Pago (American Samoa), Hagåtña (Guam), Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Charlotte Amalie (U.S. Virgin Islands).

Which U.S. territorial capital is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited capital city?

San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited U.S. state or territorial capital; it was originally named Puerto Rico when the island was called San Juan Bautista.

What cities served as capitals of Hawaii during its period as a sovereign nation?

During its time as a sovereign nation, Hawaii's capitals included Waikīkī, Hilo, Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, and Lahaina.

Which city has served as the capital of Texas both during its republic era and as a U.S. state?

Austin has been the capital of Texas since 1839, serving continuously through its period as the Republic of Texas and its subsequent statehood.

What were the capitals of the Vermont Republic prior to Vermont's statehood?

Before Vermont was admitted to the Union, the Vermont Republic had Westminster, Windsor, and Castleton as its capitals.

How did some Native American tribes incorporate Western governmental structures for their capitals?

Certain Native American tribes, notably the Five Civilized Tribes, established capitals that mirrored Western governmental organization with constitutions and designated seats of government.

What was the historical significance of New Echota for the Cherokee Nation?

New Echota, established in 1825, served as the capital of the Cherokee Nation until 1832. It was a planned town that blended traditional Southeastern ceremonial complex themes with Western governmental structures.

Where did the Cherokee National Council relocate after New Echota, and why was this move necessary?

The Cherokee National Council moved to Red Clay, Tennessee, between 1832 and 1838 to avoid the jurisdiction and potential interference of the Georgia state militia.

What is the current capital of the Navajo Nation?

Window Rock, Arizona, serves as the capital and seat of government for the Navajo Nation, housing its primary governmental institutions.

What were the successive capitals of the Confederate States of America?

The Confederate States of America had three capitals: Montgomery, Alabama, from February to May 1861; Richmond, Virginia, from May 1861 to April 1865; and Danville, Virginia, briefly in April-May 1865.

What was the 'Free State of Jones,' and where was its de facto capital located?

The 'Free State of Jones' refers to a secessionist movement in Jones County, Mississippi, during the Civil War that resisted Confederate rule. Ellisville, Mississippi, served as its de facto capital.

Which U.S. state capital holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating capital?

Boston, Massachusetts, has served as a capital city since 1630, making it the oldest continuously operating capital in the United States.

Which U.S. capital city is the oldest overall, and when did it first assume this role?

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the oldest capital city, having become a capital in 1610, with its continuous service interrupted only by the Pueblo Revolt.

What role did St. Augustine, Florida, play in colonial administration?

St. Augustine, Florida, served as a colonial capital from 1565 until approximately 1820, functioning as the administrative center for both Spanish and British Florida.

What is the significance of the year 1776 being listed as the statehood year for the original thirteen states?

For the original thirteen states, 1776 is listed as the year of statehood to signify the date of the United States Declaration of Independence, rather than the subsequent year each state ratified the Constitution.

What were the key congressional meetings held in Philadelphia prior to American independence?

Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress from September to October 1774 and the Second Continental Congress, which began in May 1775 and continued after the Declaration of Independence.

What was the purpose of the Albany Congress in 1754?

The Albany Congress convened in 1754 to discuss inter-colonial cooperation, particularly concerning defense strategies against French expansion and alliances with Native American tribes.

What was the Stamp Act Congress, and what was its significance?

The Stamp Act Congress met in New York City in October 1765, bringing together delegates from nine colonies to protest the Stamp Act, representing an early instance of unified colonial resistance.

What was the State of Franklin, and what were its capitals?

The State of Franklin was an unrecognized secessionist territory formed from western North Carolina lands. Its capitals were Jonesborough (1784-1785) and Greeneville (1785-1788).

What historical entity was the Republic of West Florida, and where was its capital located?

The Republic of West Florida was a short-lived independent nation formed in 1810 from Spanish territory. Its capital was St. Francisville, Louisiana.

What is the significance of Onondaga in the context of the Iroquois Confederacy's governance?

Onondaga has served as the traditional capital of the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) since approximately 1450, hosting the Grand Council and maintaining the role of Keepers of the Fire and Wampum.

How did the Seneca Nation of New York manage its capital functions?

The Seneca Nation operates with two capitals, Jimerson Town and Irving, alternating their administrative responsibilities every two years.

What historical role did the 'State of Muskogee' play?

The State of Muskogee was a Native American state established in Spanish Florida between 1799 and 1803, with Miccosukee serving as its capital.

What was the California Republic, and what is its flag known for?

The California Republic was a brief, unrecognized entity that declared independence from Mexico in 1846. Its flag, featuring a grizzly bear, became known as the Bear Flag and influenced the design of California's state flag.

What event led to the U.S. government temporarily relocating from Philadelphia to Trenton in 1799?

An outbreak of yellow fever in Philadelphia prompted the U.S. government offices to relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, for the period of August to November 1799.

What was the Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, and how did it impact the location of Congress?

The Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783 involved mutinous soldiers demanding pay, which caused Congress to relocate from Philadelphia to Princeton, New Jersey, to ensure its security and independence.

What is the historical significance of Brookeville, Maryland, during the War of 1812?

Brookeville, Maryland, is recognized as the 'U.S. Capital for a Day' because President James Madison sought refuge there during the British burning of Washington in August 1814, although Congress did not officially meet in the town.

What does the term 'de jure' imply regarding the State of Franklin's status?

The term 'de jure' indicates that the State of Franklin had legal recognition as a sovereign state by the international community, despite never being officially admitted into the United States.

How did the Pueblo Revolt affect the capital of New Mexico?

During the Pueblo Revolt (1680-1692), the Spanish capital at Santa Fe was temporarily abandoned, and the provincial government operated from El Paso del Norte (present-day Ciudad Juárez, Mexico).

What is the difference between a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and a Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA) as presented in the table?

MSAs and μSAs are classifications by the U.S. Census Bureau defining areas based on population and economic ties; MSAs typically center around larger urban cores, providing context for the population figures of capital cities.

What does the 'City rank in state' column in the state capitals table signify?

The 'City rank in state' column indicates the capital city's population ranking relative to other cities within the same state, based on the 2020 U.S. Census data.

Which U.S. state capital is geographically the largest in terms of area?

Juneau, Alaska, is the capital city encompassing the largest area, covering 2,716.7 square miles (7,036 km²).

Which U.S. state capital has the smallest city proper population according to the 2020 Census?

Montpelier, Vermont, is listed with the smallest city proper population among the state capitals, with 8,074 residents.

What does the term 'joint capitals' refer to in the historical context of states like Connecticut and New Jersey?

The term 'joint capitals' describes periods when two cities shared the function of being a state capital, often alternating legislative sessions between them, as historically occurred in Connecticut and New Jersey.

What historical note is associated with the spelling of Charleston, South Carolina?

The historical note indicates that the spelling 'Charleston' for South Carolina's capital did not become standard until the 1780s; prior to that, it was commonly spelled 'Charlestown'.

What does the note regarding the pronunciation of the Arkansas River suggest about the state's name?

The note explains the official pronunciation of 'Arkansas' and mentions that people in Kansas often pronounce the Arkansas River similarly to their state's name, highlighting a linguistic variation and historical context.

What was the purpose of the '50 State quarters' program mentioned in the miscellaneous lists?

The '50 State quarters' program was a U.S. Mint initiative that issued quarters featuring designs unique to each state, aiming to celebrate and promote awareness of each state's distinct heritage and identity.

What is the difference between a 'de jure' and a 'de facto' capital?

A 'de jure' capital is officially designated by law, whereas a 'de facto' capital functions as the capital in practice, even if it lacks official legal status.

What is the historical significance of the term 'Haudenosaunee' in relation to Native American capitals?

Haudenosaunee is an alternative name for the Iroquois Confederacy, an alliance of six nations whose traditional capital and meeting place is Onondaga, representing a long-standing center of governance.

What kind of resources are available through the 'Sister Projects' section related to 'state capital'?

The 'Sister Projects' section provides links to related resources on Wikimedia platforms, including definitions from Wiktionary, media from Commons, news from Wikinews, quotations from Wikiquote, texts from Wikisource, textbooks from Wikibooks, and learning resources from Wikiversity.

American Capitals: A Journey Through Governance

Mapping the historical seats of power across the United States, detailing national, state, territorial, and tribal capitals, and their evolution through American history.

National Capitals 🇺🇸 State Capitals 🗺️

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National Capitals

Washington, D.C.

Since 1800, Washington, D.C. has served as the federal capital of the United States. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to establish a federal district for the seat of government. The Residence Act of 1790 designated the Potomac River area for this purpose, leading to the establishment of Washington, D.C.

Historical Sites

Before Washington, D.C., several cities served as temporary capitals. These included Philadelphia (Independence Hall, Congress Hall), New York City (Federal Hall), and others during the periods of the Second Continental Congress and the Congress of the Confederation. Congress has met outside Washington D.C. ceremonially on rare occasions, such as in Philadelphia in 1987 and New York in 2002.

State Capitals

Alabama

Montgomery

Since 1846

Area: 159.8 sq mi (414 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 200,603
MSA: 386,047
CSA: 476,207

City Rank in State: 3

Alaska

Juneau

Since 1906

Area: 2,716.7 sq mi (7,036 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 32,255
μSA: 32,255
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 3

Arizona

Phoenix

Since 1889

Area: 517.6 sq mi (1,341 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 1,608,139
MSA: 4,845,832
CSA: 4,899,104

City Rank in State: 1

Arkansas

Little Rock

Since 1821

Area: 116.2 sq mi (301 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 202,591
MSA: 748,031
CSA: 912,604

City Rank in State: 1

California

Sacramento

Since 1854

Area: 97.9 sq mi (254 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 524,943
MSA: 2,397,382
CSA: 2,680,831

City Rank in State: 6

Colorado

Denver

Since 1867

Area: 153.3 sq mi (397 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 715,522
MSA: 2,963,821
CSA: 3,623,560

City Rank in State: 1

Connecticut

Hartford

Since 1875

Area: 17.3 sq mi (45 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 121,054
MSA: 1,213,531
CSA: 1,482,086

City Rank in State: 4

Delaware

Dover

Since 1777

Area: 22.4 sq mi (58 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 39,403
MSA: 181,851
CSA: 7,379,700

City Rank in State: 2

Florida

Tallahassee

Since 1824

Area: 95.7 sq mi (248 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 196,169
MSA: 384,298
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 8

Georgia

Atlanta

Since 1868

Area: 133.5 sq mi (346 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 498,715
MSA: 6,089,815
CSA: 6,930,423

City Rank in State: 1

Hawaii

Honolulu

Since 1845

Area: 68.4 sq mi (177 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 350,964
MSA: 1,016,508
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 1

Idaho

Boise

Since 1865

Area: 63.8 sq mi (165 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 235,684
MSA: 764,718
CSA: 850,341

City Rank in State: 1

Illinois

Springfield

Since 1837

Area: 54.0 sq mi (140 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 114,394
MSA: 208,640
CSA: 308,523

City Rank in State: 7

Indiana

Indianapolis

Since 1825

Area: 361.5 sq mi (936 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 887,642
MSA: 2,111,040
CSA: 2,492,514

City Rank in State: 1

Iowa

Des Moines

Since 1857

Area: 75.8 sq mi (196 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 214,133
MSA: 709,466
CSA: 890,322

City Rank in State: 1

Kansas

Topeka

Since 1856

Area: 56.0 sq mi (145 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 126,587
MSA: 233,152
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 5

Kentucky

Frankfort

Since 1792

Area: 14.7 sq mi (38 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 28,602
μSA: 75,393
CSA: 746,045

City Rank in State: 15

Louisiana

Baton Rouge

Since 1880

Area: 76.8 sq mi (199 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 227,470
MSA: 870,569
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 2

Maine

Augusta

Since 1832

Area: 55.4 sq mi (143 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 18,899
μSA: 123,642
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 10

Maryland

Annapolis

Since 1694

Area: 6.73 sq mi (17 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 40,812
MSA: 2,844,510
CSA: 9,973,383

City Rank in State: 7

Massachusetts

Boston

Since 1630

Area: 89.6 sq mi (232 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 675,647
MSA: 4,941,632
CSA: 8,466,186

City Rank in State: 1

Michigan

Lansing

Since 1847

Area: 35.0 sq mi (91 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 112,644
MSA: 541,297
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 5

Minnesota

St. Paul

Since 1849

Area: 52.8 sq mi (137 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 311,527
MSA: 3,690,261
CSA: 4,078,788

City Rank in State: 2

Mississippi

Jackson

Since 1821

Area: 104.9 sq mi (272 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 153,701
MSA: 591,978
CSA: 671,607

City Rank in State: 1

Missouri

Jefferson City

Since 1826

Area: 27.3 sq mi (71 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 43,228
MSA: 150,309
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 15

Montana

Helena

Since 1875

Area: 14.0 sq mi (36 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 32,091
μSA: 83,058
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 6

Nebraska

Lincoln

Since 1867

Area: 74.6 sq mi (193 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 291,082
MSA: 340,217
CSA: 361,921

City Rank in State: 2

Nevada

Carson City

Since 1861

Area: 143.4 sq mi (371 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 58,639
MSA: 58,639
CSA: 657,958

City Rank in State: 6

New Hampshire

Concord

Since 1808

Area: 64.3 sq mi (167 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 43,976
μSA: 153,808
CSA: 8,466,186

City Rank in State: 3

New Jersey

Trenton

Since 1784

Area: 7.66 sq mi (20 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 90,871
MSA: 387,340
CSA: 23,582,649

City Rank in State: 10

New Mexico

Santa Fe

Since 1610

Area: 37.3 sq mi (97 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 87,505
MSA: 154,823
CSA: 1,162,523

City Rank in State: 4

New York

Albany

Since 1797

Area: 21.4 sq mi (55 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 99,224
MSA: 899,262
CSA: 1,190,727

City Rank in State: 6

North Carolina

Raleigh

Since 1792

Area: 114.6 sq mi (297 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 467,665
MSA: 1,413,982
CSA: 2,106,463

City Rank in State: 2

North Dakota

Bismarck

Since 1883

Area: 26.9 sq mi (70 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 73,622
MSA: 133,626
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 2

Ohio

Columbus

Since 1816

Area: 210.3 sq mi (545 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 905,748
MSA: 2,138,926
CSA: 2,544,048

City Rank in State: 1

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Since 1910

Area: 620.3 sq mi (1,607 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 681,054
MSA: 1,425,695
CSA: 1,498,149

City Rank in State: 1

Oregon

Salem

Since 1855

Area: 45.7 sq mi (118 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 175,535
MSA: 433,353
CSA: 3,280,736

City Rank in State: 3

Pennsylvania

Harrisburg

Since 1812

Area: 8.11 sq mi (21 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 50,099
MSA: 591,712
CSA: 1,295,259

City Rank in State: 9

Rhode Island

Providence

Since 1900

Area: 18.5 sq mi (48 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 190,934
MSA: 1,676,579
CSA: 8,466,186

City Rank in State: 1

South Carolina

Columbia

Since 1786

Area: 125.2 sq mi (324 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 136,632
MSA: 829,470
CSA: 951,412

City Rank in State: 2

South Dakota

Pierre

Since 1889

Area: 13.0 sq mi (34 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 14,091
μSA: 20,745
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 9

Tennessee

Nashville

Since 1826

Area: 525.9 sq mi (1,362 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 689,447
MSA: 1,989,519
CSA: 2,118,233

City Rank in State: 1

Texas

Austin

Since 1839

Area: 305.1 sq mi (790 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 961,855
MSA: 2,283,371
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 4

Utah

Salt Lake City

Since 1858

Area: 109.1 sq mi (283 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 199,723
MSA: 1,257,936
CSA: 2,701,129

City Rank in State: 1

Vermont

Montpelier

Since 1805

Area: 10.2 sq mi (26 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 8,074
μSA: 59,807
CSA: 285,369

City Rank in State: 6

Virginia

Richmond

Since 1780

Area: 60.1 sq mi (156 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 226,610
MSA: 1,314,434
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 4

Washington

Olympia

Since 1853

Area: 16.7 sq mi (43 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 55,605
MSA: 294,793
CSA: 4,953,421

City Rank in State: 23

West Virginia

Charleston

Since 1885

Area: 31.6 sq mi (82 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 48,864
MSA: 258,859
CSA: 779,969

City Rank in State: 1

Wisconsin

Madison

Since 1838

Area: 68.7 sq mi (178 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 269,840
MSA: 680,796
CSA: 910,246

City Rank in State: 2

Wyoming

Cheyenne

Since 1869

Area: 21.1 sq mi (55 km²)

Population (2020):

City: 65,132
MSA: 100,512
CSA: N/A

City Rank in State: 1

Insular Area Capitals

American Samoa

Pago Pago

Since 1899

Population (2010): 3,656

Notes: Pago Pago refers to a group of villages, one of which is Fagatogo, the official seat of government.

Guam

Hagåtña

Since 1898

Population (2010): 1,051

Notes: Dededo is the area's largest village.

Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan

Since 1947

Population (2010): 48,220

Notes: The entire island is organized as a municipality; government functions are mainly in Capitol Hill village.

Puerto Rico

San Juan

Since 1898

Population (2010): 395,326

Notes: Oldest continuously inhabited U.S. state or territorial capital.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie

Since 1917

Population (2010): 18,481

Notes: Located on Saint Thomas; administered directly by the territorial government.

Former National Capitals

Hawaiian Kingdom

Before statehood, Hawaii had several capitals:

Waikīkī (1795–1796)
Hilo (1796–1803)
Honolulu (1803–1812)
Kailua-Kona (1812–1820)
Lahaina (1820–1845)
Honolulu (1845–1898)

Honolulu served as the capital twice and remains the state capital today. The Hawaiian Kingdom was annexed by the U.S. in 1898.

Republic of Texas

During its time as a sovereign nation (1836–1845), Texas had seven capitals:

Washington-on-the-Brazos (1836)
Harrisburg (now Houston) (1836)
Galveston (1836)
Velasco (1836)
West Columbia (1836)
Houston (1837–1839)
Austin (1839–1845)

Austin has remained the capital since annexation by the United States.

Vermont Republic

Before becoming a state, Vermont had three capitals as the Vermont Republic:

Westminster (1777)
Windsor (1777–1791)
Castleton (1791)

Burlington served as capital briefly before Montpelier became the permanent capital in 1805.

California Republic

The short-lived California Republic (Bear Flag Revolt) declared independence from Mexico in 1846.

Sonoma (1846)

This republic existed for only a month before disbanding to join the U.S. army. Sonoma was its de facto capital.

Confederate States

The Confederate States of America had three capitals during the Civil War:

Montgomery, Alabama (Feb–May 1861)
Richmond, Virginia (May 1861–Apr 1865)
Danville, Virginia (Apr–May 1865)

State governments within the Confederacy also relocated as Union armies advanced.

Native American Capitals

Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation has had several capitals reflecting its history:

New Echota, Georgia (1825–1832)
Red Clay, Tennessee (1832–1838)
Tahlequah, Oklahoma (1839–present)
Cherokee, North Carolina (Eastern Band)

New Echota was established in 1825. Red Clay served as a refuge during forced removal. Tahlequah became the capital after removal to Indian Territory and remains the capital of the modern Cherokee Nation.

Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee)

The Iroquois Confederacy, formed around 1450, has a traditional capital:

Onondaga Reservation, New York (Since c. 1450)

The Onondaga Nation traditionally hosts the Grand Council and serves as Keepers of the Fire, maintaining the arrangement at their Longhouse.

Muscogee Creek Nation

The Muscogee Creek Nation's capitals reflect their movements:

Hot Springs, Arkansas (c. 1837–1866)
Okmulgee, Oklahoma (1867–1906)

After removal from Alabama, their government met near Hot Springs. Okmulgee became the capital post-Civil War, named after a traditional Creek town.

Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation's capital is:

Window Rock, Arizona (Since 1936)

Window Rock hosts the Navajo Nation governmental campus, including the Council, Supreme Court, and executive offices.

Historical Capitals

Colonial Era

Early colonial capitals varied by European power and region:

Spanish Florida: St. Augustine (1565–1821)
New France (Acadia/Louisiana): Île Sainte-Croix, Port-Royal (NS), Mobile (AL), Biloxi (MS), New Orleans (LA)
English Colonies: Boston (MA), St. Mary's City (MD), Hartford/New Haven (CT), Philadelphia (PA), New York (NY)

Capitals shifted due to administrative changes, conflicts, and growth. Boston and St. Augustine are notable for their long tenures as colonial seats of power.

Revolutionary War & Early Republic

During the American Revolution and the early years of the republic, capitals frequently moved due to conflict and the search for a permanent seat:

Second Continental Congress: Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, York
Congress of the Confederation: Philadelphia, Princeton, Annapolis, Trenton, New York
U.S. Congress (Constitution): New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.

The establishment of a permanent capital in Washington D.C. in 1800 followed years of debate and temporary locations.

Shifting State Capitals

Many states have moved their capitals over time:

Alabama: Huntsville, Cahawba, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery
California: Monterey, San Jose, Vallejo, Benicia, Sacramento
Illinois: Kaskaskia, Vandalia, Springfield

These shifts often occurred due to population changes, political decisions, or the need for a more central location. Oklahoma was the last state to move its capital in 1910.

Territorial Capitals

As territories were organized, they established their own capitals:

Arizona Territory: Fort Whipple, Prescott, Tucson, Phoenix
Idaho Territory: Lewiston, Bannack, Virginia City, Helena
Nebraska Territory: Omaha, Lincoln

These territorial capitals often served as the administrative centers before statehood was achieved.

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References

Extensive damage to Independence Hall during the British Occupation of Philadelphia, necessitated this temporary meeting place.

Congress was forced to move from Philadelphia due to a riot of angry soldiers. See: Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783

From December 3, 1859, to December 3, 1861, Denver City was formally the City of Denver, Auraria, and Highland.

On November 15, 1902, the City of Denver became the City and County of Denver.

The modern spelling of 'Charleston' did not take hold until the 1780s.[60]

Historical Chronology. Maryland State Archives. Accessed July 24, 2006.

Michigan in Brief State of Michigan. Updated March 7, 2005. Accessed June 10, 2005.

Oregon Legislative Assembly History. Oregon State Archives. Accessed February 17, 2012.

The History of Pennsylvania's Capital. Pennsylvania Department of Education. Accessed July 24, 2006.

Capital Cities. Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. 2002. Accessed March 12, 2006.

The History of Olympia. City of Olympia. Accessed June 9, 2005.

Saban, Mary Thompson, Wyoming Sage: Brief History of Wyoming. Updated January 17, 2004. Accessed June 10, 2005.

A full list of references for this article are available at the List of capitals in the United States Wikipedia page

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American Capitals: A Journey Through Governance

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National Capitals 🏛️

📍 Washington, D.C.

📜 Historical Sites

State Capitals 🗺️

🇺🇸 Alabama

🇺🇸 Alaska

🇺🇸 Arizona

🇺🇸 Arkansas

🇺🇸 California

🇺🇸 Colorado

🇺🇸 Connecticut

🇺🇸 Delaware

🇺🇸 Florida

🇺🇸 Georgia

🇺🇸 Hawaii

🇺🇸 Idaho

🇺🇸 Illinois

🇺🇸 Indiana

🇺🇸 Iowa

🇺🇸 Kansas

🇺🇸 Kentucky

🇺🇸 Louisiana

🇺🇸 Maine

🇺🇸 Maryland

🇺🇸 Massachusetts

🇺🇸 Michigan

🇺🇸 Minnesota

🇺🇸 Mississippi

🇺🇸 Missouri

🇺🇸 Montana

🇺🇸 Nebraska

🇺🇸 Nevada

🇺🇸 New Hampshire

🇺🇸 New Jersey

🇺🇸 New Mexico

🇺🇸 New York

🇺🇸 North Carolina

🇺🇸 North Dakota

🇺🇸 Ohio

🇺🇸 Oklahoma

🇺🇸 Oregon

🇺🇸 Pennsylvania

🇺🇸 Rhode Island

🇺🇸 South Carolina

🇺🇸 South Dakota

🇺🇸 Tennessee

🇺🇸 Texas

🇺🇸 Utah

🇺🇸 Vermont

🇺🇸 Virginia

🇺🇸 Washington

🇺🇸 West Virginia

🇺🇸 Wisconsin

🇺🇸 Wyoming

Insular Area Capitals 🏝️

🇵🇫 American Samoa

🇬🇺 Guam

🇲🇵 Northern Mariana Islands

🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

🇻🇬 U.S. Virgin Islands

Former National Capitals ⏳

👑 Hawaiian Kingdom

⭐ Republic of Texas

⛰️ Vermont Republic

🐻 California Republic

⚔️ Confederate States

Native American Capitals 🦅

Ꮳ Cherokee Nation

🔥 Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee)

🌽 Muscogee Creek Nation

🐍 Navajo Nation

Historical Capitals 📜

⚓ Colonial Era

⚔️ Revolutionary War & Early Republic

🔄 Shifting State Capitals

🗺️ Territorial Capitals

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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National Capitals

Washington, D.C.

Historical Sites

State Capitals

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Insular Area Capitals

American Samoa

Guam

Northern Mariana Islands

Puerto Rico

U.S. Virgin Islands

Former National Capitals

Hawaiian Kingdom

Republic of Texas

Vermont Republic

California Republic

Confederate States

Native American Capitals

Cherokee Nation

Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee)

Muscogee Creek Nation

Navajo Nation

Historical Capitals

Colonial Era

Revolutionary War & Early Republic

Shifting State Capitals

Territorial Capitals

Teacher's Corner

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