(USNewsReport.org) – When you mention Washington, DC, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is the capital — the political center of the United States. But what if we told you Washington wasn’t the first capital? (Or the second… or even the third?) How many people would know there were eight capitals before the one we have today?
Philadelphia, PA
In 1774 the Continental Congress had formed and began convening in Philadelphia. From here they would discuss ways to respond to the taxation from the British crown and means in which to boycott British goods. In 1776, at Independence Hall, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Between 1775 and 1781, they united the colonies to fight against the British. This would be known later as the Revolutionary War.
Baltimore, MD
In December of 1776, with British troops closing in on Philadelphia, the Continental Congress fled to Baltimore. They took shelter in a three-story brick home and tavern of Henry Fite. Dubbed “Congress Hall,” the building would house the Continental Congress until officials learned of Washington crossing the Delaware River and his surprise victories. With British threats thwarted the delegates returned to Independence Hall in early March 1777.
Lancaster, PA
In September of 1777, members of the Continental Congress found themselves fleeing Philadelphia once again. With British troops advancing on Philadelphia, the delegates would find refuge in the Lancaster County Courthouse. Though it had only been a day, the delegates were concerned for their safety and decided to leave Lancaster and move farther west.
York, PA
On September 30, 1777, safely tucked behind the Susquehanna River, the delegates convened inside the York County Courthouse. Here, they would stay for the next 9 months. During this time they approved the Articles of Confederation and signed an alliance treaty with France. After hearing that the British had left Philadelphia, they returned to Independence Hall in June of 1778.
Princeton, NJ
In the summer of 1783, the Continental Congress, now referred to as the Congress of Confederation, once again found themselves fleeing Philadelphia. With their safety threatened by angry Continental Army soldiers looking to receive promised pay, the delegates moved to what is now known as Princeton University.
During their 4-month stay on the campus, Congress received its first foreign minister, a diplomat from the Netherlands. It was at this time when the American Revolution also came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
Annapolis, MD
Doing their best to avoid Philadelphia, the delegates moved to the Maryland State House in November of 1783. During this stay George Washington would resign his position within the Continental Army and return to life as a private citizen. Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris in January of 1784, 7 months before it would move again.
Trenton, NJ
November 1, 1784 found the Congress of Confederation convening in its next home, the controversial French Arms Tavern. Though it was the largest building, not much business took place aside from the farewell address of Marquis de Lafayette. Congress adjourned and moved on, yet again, in December.
New York City
By January 1785 Congress had convened in what was to be known as Federal Hall. This was to become their home for more than 5 years. It was here where George Washington, on April 30, 1789, took oath as our first President of the United States. In 1800 Washington, DC became the permanent residence for the United States government.
Though many of the buildings that were once home to Congress no longer stand, our glorious nation still lives on. The Capital may have moved numerous times, but the spirit of what it stands for continues in Washington, DC through the representatives we elect.
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