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Historical reasons: Many state capitals were established during the early years of statehood, when the population was smaller and settlements were more spread out. These early capitals often continued to serve as the state capital even as the state grew and other cities became larger. For example, Concord, New Hampshire, was chosen as the state capital in 1784 when it was a small town, and it remains the capital today despite the growth of larger cities like Manchester and Nashua.
Central location: Some state capitals are located in geographically central locations within the state, making them accessible to residents from different parts of the state. For example, Jefferson City, Missouri, is located near the center of the state, making it relatively easy for residents to travel to the capital for government business.
Political considerations: The choice of state capital can be influenced by political factors, such as the desire to balance power between different regions of the state or to reward a particular region with the status of being the state capital. For example, Springfield, Illinois, was chosen as the state capital in 1839 as a compromise between northern and southern factions in the state.
Existing infrastructure: In some cases, state capitals are located in towns that already had existing infrastructure, such as government buildings or a central location for transportation, making it easier to establish the capital there. For example, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was chosen as the state capital in 1812 because it was already a well-established town with a central location.
While it is true that some state capitals are located in small towns, many others are located in larger cities or metropolitan areas. The location of a state capital depends on a variety of factors and is not necessarily indicative of the size of the town in which it is situated.