Which city hosted the first session of the U.S. Congress under the Constitution?

New York City hosted the first session of the U.S. Congress under the Constitution.

The First United States Congress convened at Federal Hall in New York City beginning on March 4, 1789. Its opening marked the start of the federal government established by the Constitution, although the House of Representatives did not achieve a quorum until April 1 and the Senate until April 6.

Congress carried out several foundational tasks there. It counted the electoral votes, certified George Washington’s election, created executive departments, established the federal judiciary, and proposed the amendments that became the Bill of Rights. The first session also passed major measures involving tariffs and government administration.

New York City was not the permanent capital. The Residence Act of 1790 provided for a permanent capital on the Potomac River and temporarily moved the government to Philadelphia. The federal government later moved to Washington, D.C., where Congress held its first session in November 1800.