What was the first capital of the United States government under the Constitution?

New York City was the first capital of the United States government under the Constitution.

The new federal government began operating in New York City in 1789. Congress met at Federal Hall on Wall Street, while President George Washington and Vice President John Adams began their constitutional offices there.

The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790 under the Residence Act. Philadelphia served as the temporary national capital while a permanent site was selected and developed on the Potomac River.

Washington, D.C., became the permanent capital in 1800. New York City is sometimes confused with Philadelphia because Philadelphia had served as the national capital under the Continental Congress and the Confederation Congress before the Constitution took effect.