Albany Has Not Always Been New York's Capital: NYC Was First (1788–1797)

Capital History

• 1788–1797: New York City (Federal Hall, then City Hall) — first state capital
• 1797–present: Albany — moved for central location, security, political compromise

Why the Move?

• Geographic center of population (then)
• Upstate influence balance
• Defense: inland, less vulnerable to naval attack
• Land speculation (Schuyler, Livingston families)

Other Temporary Capitals

Kingston (1777, first legislature), Poughkeepsie (1788 ratification convention), NYC (1785–1797 Congress under Articles).

Albany's capitol building (completed 1899) is a landmark; Empire State Plaza added 1960s–70s.