When Washington became president New York City was the capital What happened to change that?

When George Washington became president in 1789, New York City did serve as the temporary capital of the United States. However, this arrangement was short-lived. The decision to establish a permanent capital city had been under discussion for several years, and in 1790, an Act of Congress designated a specific area for the future capital on the Potomac River. This area became known as the District of Columbia and construction of what would become Washington, D.C., began soon after.

In 1800, the newly constructed capitol building in Washington, D.C,, was ready for occupancy which led to he transfer of Congress and other branches of the federal government to the new capital. This officially made Washington, D.C,, the permanent capital of the United States, replacing New York City.