FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-081

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 15, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps has the U.S. capital moving from New York City, where it originated, to its present location in the District of Columbia.

Capital on the Move

An issue for a new nation is to decide where its key government branches will reside and meet.  It is not necessarily in the same city.

The US Congress first met in New York City starting in 1789, so that city is the first capital city. 

In the following year it was decided to make Washington DC the permanent capital.  Also in 1890 Philadelphia started to serve as temporary capital of the US.

Then on May 15, 1800, Washington DC became the capital.

Since the British managed to burn most of Wahington DC’s government buildings in 1814, including the capitol building, Congress temporarily met first at Blodgett’s Hotel then at the Old Brick Capitol in Washington DC.  Starting in 1819 Congress returned to the capitol building.

The site of Washington DC was carefully selected with great influence by George Washington.  It represents a compromise as it is on the border of northern and southern states.  Originally it included a slice of Virginia as well, but that land was returned to Virginia after the Civil War.  That much of Washington DC was a swampland in the late 1700s didn’t seem to bother anyone.

Here is Washington DC’s map from 1863 by Johnson.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.