New York City served as the first U.S. capital under the Constitution.
The new federal government began operating in New York City in 1789. Congress met at Federal Hall on Wall Street, where George Washington was inaugurated on April 30. The city also hosted the first sessions of the Supreme Court and the executive departments created under the new government.
New York’s role was temporary because the Constitution left the location of the permanent capital to later political agreement. In 1790, the Residence Act established a future capital on the Potomac River and designated Philadelphia as the temporary capital while the new federal district was being developed. The government moved from New York to Philadelphia in 1790.
Washington, D.C., became the national capital in 1800. The capital’s movement reflected compromises between states with different economic and regional interests. New York therefore was the first constitutional capital, while Philadelphia and Washington later served in succession.