U.S. Capital in 1790–1800: Philadelphia

From 1790 to 1800, the capital of the United States was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Context

• Residence Act (1790): Designated a permanent capital on the Potomac (future Washington, D.C.) but mandated a 10-year temporary capital in Philadelphia while the new city was built.
• Congress Hall (6th & Chestnut) hosted Congress; President's House (6th & Market) housed Washington and Adams.
• Key events: Bill of Rights ratified (1791), First Bank of the U.S., Whiskey Rebellion (1794), Jay Treaty, XYZ Affair, Alien & Sedition Acts (1798).

Move to Washington, D.C.

• November 1800: Congress convenes in the unfinished Capitol.
• John Adams first president to occupy White House (Nov 1800).
• 1801: Jefferson inaugurated in D.C. — permanent seat established.

Philadelphia was the crucible of the early republic — where the Constitution was operationalized.