2006-08-07 14:17:55 · 14 answers · asked by Will S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
nyc
2006-08-07 14:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by C B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Despite claims by the city of York, Pennsylvania, the first capital of the United States was Philadelphia - which was, after all, the largest city in the United States in 1776, when the "United States" came into existence.
The Continental Congress, who weren't exactly fighting men, fled Philadelphia when they heard the British army was on the way - and took up temporary residence in Baltimore. Apparently, everyone pretty much hated Baltimore, which was a nothing little town at the time, without a decent restaurant, so the Congress fellows headed back to Philadelphia in March of 1777, only to flee anew when the British regrouped and lay seige to Philly once again (probably looking for a good cheesesteak).
This time the Congress took up residence in Lancaster, Pennsylvania - for all of one day - before packing up yet again and heading to York - on the other side of the Susquehanna from the British heading to Philadelphia.
Believe it or not - once the war was over, Congress couldn't decide where to set up shop - at various times they were headquartered in Princeton, Annapolis, Trenton, and then New York - Washington didn't come along until 1800. There is no truth to the rumor that Congress was available for bat mitzvahs, anniversary parties and birthdays.....
2006-08-07 21:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by NotAnyoneYouKnow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually the First meeting of the US congress took place in New York City in 1789. George Washington was inagurated as the 1st US President also in New York City in 1789. The official seat of government at the time was Philadelphia but congress passed the "residence Act" in 1790 officially moving the Capitol to Washington. The complete move of the Govt did not finish until 1800.
2006-08-07 21:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The current building is the fourth to serve as the U.S. capitol, after the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland (1783–1784), Federal Hall in New York (1789–1790) and Congress Hall in Philadelphia (1790–1800).
2006-08-07 21:26:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
New York. Are you asking about the first colonial capitol or the first capitol after the Revolution?
2006-08-07 21:21:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philadelphia
2006-08-07 21:25:57 · answer #6 · answered by Neil G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
2006-08-07 21:22:07 · answer #7 · answered by Green-Eyed Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philadelphia
2006-08-07 21:20:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
York Pa.
2006-08-07 21:23:11 · answer #9 · answered by patrick t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it was Philadelphia...
2006-08-07 21:31:21 · answer #10 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋