What was the first U.S. capital under the Constitution, beginning in 1789?

New York City was the first U.S. capital under the Constitution, beginning in 1789. The new federal government started operating there after the Constitution took effect and George Washington was inaugurated as president.

Congress met at Federal Hall on Wall Street, where Washington took the presidential oath of office on April 30, 1789. Federal Hall had previously served as the meeting place of the Confederation Congress and the site where Washington became commander in chief in 1789.

The capital later moved to Philadelphia in 1790 under the Residence Act. That law arranged for the permanent national capital to be established on the Potomac River, while Philadelphia served as the temporary capital. The federal government moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800.

New York City is therefore distinct from the later capitals of Philadelphia and Washington. It was also the location of the first Congress to operate under the Constitution and the starting point for the early federal government.