United States capitals

United States capitals, cities that served as seats of the U.S. government until 1800, when Washington, D.C, became the permanent capital. After the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Continental Congress and subsequently the U.S. Congress met in various cities, moving every few years. Among these cities were Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. Eventually, Virginia and Maryland negotiated with Congress to be the site of a permanent capital. In 1791, both states donated land to be set aside for its construction. The new capital was named after the nation's first president and is under direct federal jurisdiction, not being part of any state.