The U.S. capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., in 1800, a change noted in America250 history.
The permanent capital resulted from a 1790 compromise between political leaders. Southern support for assuming state debts helped win agreement that the federal seat would be placed on the Potomac River. President George Washington selected the district’s general location, and French-born engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed an ambitious plan for the new city.
Federal offices began moving from Philadelphia in June 1800. President John Adams became the first president to live in the unfinished capital when he occupied the White House in November 1800. The Capitol and many streets were still under construction, and the city remained small for decades.
Philadelphia had served as the national capital from 1790 to 1800. Earlier, Congress met in several revolutionary-era locations, including New York City and Annapolis, so Washington was the first purpose-built permanent federal district.