WASHINGTON DC’S PREDECESSOR CITIES
Washington DC, the capital city of the United States, has a rich history of political and cultural significance. However, before Washington DC was established as the capital, the country had two other predecessor cities, namely New York City and Philadelphia. Both cities played significant roles in the early stages of US history, with each serving as the capital city for a specific period.
ERA OF TWO CAPITAL CITIES
The era of two capital cities is an intriguing period in the history of the United States, which lasted from 1785 to 1800. During this time, the country was still trying to find its footing as a new nation, and different cities were vying for the honor of serving as the capital city. Eventually, New York City and Philadelphia emerged as the two cities that would take turns as the capital city, with New York serving as the capital from 1785 to 1790, and Philadelphia taking over from 1790 to 1800.
WHY WASHINGTON DC?
The decision to establish Washington DC as the permanent capital city was made in 1790, with the signing of the Residence Act. This move was necessitated by the need to have a capital city that was geographically centered, and not associated with any particular state. The founders of the United States believed that having a centralized capital would help to foster unity and prevent regional biases from influencing government decisions.
FIRST US CAPITAL CITY
New York City was the first capital city of the United States, serving from 1785 to 1790. During this time, the city hosted the inauguration of George Washington, the first president of the United States, and served as the site for the first Congress to meet under the new US Constitution. The US government operated out of Federal Hall, which still stands today as a National Memorial.
CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
Philadelphia, which was the second capital city of the United States, is also known as the City of Brotherly Love. It served as the capital from 1790 to 1800, and was the site for the signing of the US Constitution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. During this time, the city was a bustling hub of political and cultural activity, with a population that rivaled that of New York City.
PHILADELPHIA’S IMPORTANCE
Philadelphia played a crucial role in the early stages of US history, hosting numerous important events that shaped the nation. In addition to serving as the capital city, Philadelphia was also the site for the first Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These events helped to solidify the city’s reputation as a center of political and intellectual activity.
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
New York City and Philadelphia were both impressive cities in their own right, but Washington DC was designed to be a truly unparalleled architectural wonder. The city was meticulously planned and built according to a grand design, with wide boulevards, landscaped parks, and iconic buildings such as the White House and the Capitol building.
NEW YORK’S TURN
New York City had the honor of serving as the capital city of the United States from 1785 to 1790. During this time, the city experienced significant growth and development, with the establishment of new institutions such as the Bank of New York and the New York Stock Exchange. However, the city was plagued by political instability, with frequent protests and tensions between different factions.
TEMPORARY CAPITAL CITY
New York City was never intended to be the permanent capital city of the United States. It was chosen as a temporary capital city while the government worked to establish a more permanent solution. Despite this, the city played an important role in the early stages of US history, serving as a hub for political and cultural activity.
WASHINGTON DC TAKES OVER
Washington DC officially took over as the capital city of the United States in 1800, with the US government relocating from Philadelphia to the newly constructed city. This move was a significant milestone in the history of the United States, marking the establishment of a permanent capital city that would serve as a symbol of national unity and pride.
THE MAKING OF A CAPITAL CITY
The making of Washington DC was a grand undertaking, with the city being designed and built from scratch according to a grand plan. The city was designed to be a symbol of the power and prestige of the United States, with grand buildings and impressive monuments that would inspire awe and admiration.
WASHINGTON DC TODAY
Today, Washington DC is a thriving metropolis that serves as the political and cultural capital of the United States. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Capitol building, and the Lincoln Memorial. It is also a vibrant center of arts and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance spaces that showcase the best of American creativity and innovation.
