Was the US Capitol Ever in New York City?

No, the US Capitol has never been located in New York City.

Actual Capitals Timeline

Critical Distinction

• New York City was the US capital (1785–1790) — but the **Capitol building** (legislative seat) was **Federal Hall**, not the current US Capitol.
• The **US Capitol** (the building) has **always been in Washington, D.C.** — cornerstone 1793, first session 1800.

Why the Confusion?

NYC was the **nation's capital** when the Constitution launched; Washington, D.C. didn't exist yet. But "US Capitol" refers specifically to the building on Capitol Hill, D.C.

So: **US Capital (city) = NYC (temporarily). US Capitol (building) = only ever Washington, D.C.**