First Capital of the Nation

New York City

New York City served as the nation’s first capital from 1785 to 1790 and hosted the nation’s first presidential inauguration when George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.

NY Firsts - Federal Hall in NYC — Federal Hall depicting Washington's April 30, 1789 inauguration. Library of Congress.

NY Firsts - Federal Hall depicting Washington's April 30, 1789 inauguration — The Inauguration of Washington as First President of the United States, April 30, 1789, Currier & Ives. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

NY Firsts - Federal Hall in NYC view — A view of the Federal Hall of the City of New York. New York Public Library Digital Collections.