First Capital of the United States: New York

Imagine the challenge of choosing the perfect spot for a nation's capital. One of President George Washington's first major tasks was picking a permanent capital for the United States. As a compromise, the capital moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1791 for ten years. Then, it would settle permanently on the Potomac River. Washington chose land from Maryland and Virginia, which were mostly farms and marshes back then.

Pierre Charles L’Enfant was hired to design the "Federal City." On June 11, 1800, the capital of the United States found its permanent home in Washington, D.C. Let's explore the journey and history of the first capital of the United States.

A Capital City

New York was the first capital of the United States. George Washington was chosen as the first President on the balcony of New York City's old City Hall on April 30, 1789. However, New York had a big problem. Its huge Revolutionary War debt was pushing the federal government toward bankruptcy. 

This is where Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson stepped in. They struck a momentous deal. The new capital would move to a rural area just across the Potomac River from Jefferson's home state of Virginia. In return, New York's debt would be forgiven. This deal allowed New York to become the country's financial capital.

Washington chose land from Maryland and Virginia for the new capital. It was mostly farms and marshes back then. Pierre Charles L’Enfant was hired to design the "Federal City," and on June 11, 1800, the capital found its permanent home in Washington, D.C.

The People's Government

As head of the New York State Assembly in 1913, Al Smith made history by passing a flood of important laws. These laws changed factory life in many ways. They addressed child labor, women's labor, wages, hours, and safety. In total, 56 bills were passed. 

Al Smith's impact didn't stop there. He became governor of New York in 1918. Coming from the Lower East Side, he symbolized the success of immigrants in America. No other politician in New York's history did more to make the government meet the needs of all people.

Smith's work was truly groundbreaking. He showed that government could improve the lives of everyday citizens. His legacy is a reminder of how one person can make a big difference.

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Capital of the World

In 1949, the building of the United Nations headquarters on Manhattan's East Side made New York the world's capital. The United Nations, created in October 1945, aimed to promote peace but lacked a permanent home.

Multicultural New York, with more than sixty ethnic groups living together, was the ideal location for this international organization. It became a model for the new world order.

Attack on New York

On September 11, 2001, the twin towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed in the most devastating terrorist attack in U.S. history. Two jetliners crashed into the towers, causing both to collapse. New York City suffered the loss of over 6,000 people.

Despite the enormous pain and sadness, these challenges will only make New York stronger. Throughout its 400-year history, New York has constantly reinvented itself. This tragic event will be another chapter in its story of resilience and strength.

New York City's journey from being the first capital of the United States to becoming the world's capital is remarkable. It began with George Washington's oath of office and continued through important moments, like Al Smith's reforms and the establishment of the United Nations.

Despite facing strong challenges, including the devastating 9/11 attacks, New York has always shown incredible resilience. Its history is proof of its strength and ability to reinvent itself time and again. As we look to the future, New York will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role on the world stage.