New York City is one of America250’s four federally designated leading cities and was the first U.S. capital under the Constitution.
The federal legislation identifying major America250 locations names Boston, Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia. These cities were selected because of their importance during the struggle for independence and the creation of the United States.
New York City became the temporary national capital in 1789, when George Washington was inaugurated at Federal Hall on Wall Street. The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and then to Washington, D.C., in 1800. New York therefore served as the first capital under the new Constitution, but not as the permanent capital.
Philadelphia is often confused with New York because it hosted the Continental Congress and later served as the national capital. The two cities played different roles, and America250 recognizes both among its leading historical locations.