Explore US states and capitals map, Washington, D.C. (formally the District of Columbia), has been the national capital of the U.S. since 1800. Every state of the United States of America has their own capital, as do its insular areas have. Most states of the U.S. have not switched their capital since admission to the Union, but the capitals of their corresponding prior kingdoms, territories, colonies, and republics commonly altered many times. There are other governments in the present boundaries of America with their individual capital cities, like the Native American Tribal nations in the U.S., Republic of Texas, and other anonymous governments.
United States Map with Capitals in Albers Equal Area Projection
The above US states and capitals maps are showing all the 50 states of United States of America with their state capitals and national capital Washington D.C..
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US States and Capitals
The United States comprises 50 states and every state has a capital. The capital of each state serves as its seat of government and is home to many government buildings. Of these 50 states, 25 states of the U.S. have changed their capitals at least once. Ten states belong to the group of the thirteen original states. Oklahoma was the last U.S. state to change its capital. In 1910, Oklahoma moved its capital from Guthrie to Oklahoma City.
The ‘Capital Since’ column in the following table list the years when that particular city became the capital of the state.
Insular area or Isolated area is a US territory or region that is not either a part or region of 1 of the 50 U.S. states and nor a region of the DC (District of Columbia), the US's national capital. Those isolated or insular territories with their capitals are mentioned below.
According to the Articles of Confederation, which came into force on March 1, 1781, the U.S. did not have a stable capital. The cities mentioned below were those places where the colonial American congresses held their meetings. The present Constitution of the United States was authorized in 1787. The constitution bestowed upon the Congress the authority to exercise ‘absolute constitution upon a commune that was to the the United States government’s seat of power. This was to be after cession of a few particular states and the recognition of the Congress.
The meeting of the first Congress took place in New York in Federal Hall. The Residence Act was passed in 1790. As per this act, the country capital was to be established at a place near the Potomac River. This place came to be known as Washington D.C. But for the afterward 10 years, i.e.. until 1800, Philadelphia, was the short-lived capital of the United States and the meetings took place at the Congress Hall. On 17th November, 1800, the Congress moved from Philadelphia to Washington D.C and formally convened in the new capital. Since then the Congress has held all its meetings in Washington D.C, except on two occasions. On 16th July, 1987, it met at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. The occasion commemorated the 200th commemoration of the constitution’s ratification. On September 6, 2002, it met at the New York’s Federal Hall National Memorial. It marked September 11 attacks first anniversary.
From 1754 to 1819, Congress met in numerous locations; therefore, the following cities can be said to have once been the United States capital.
Capital City
Building Name
State Name
Date (Start)
Date (End)
Governing Body
Albany
Stadt Huys
New York
19-Jun-1754
11-Jul-1754
Albany Congress
New York
City Hall
New York
7-Oct-1765
25-Oct-1765
Stamp Act Congress
Philadelphia
Carpenters' Hall
Pennsylvania
5-Sep-1774
26-Oct-1774
First Continental Congress
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Pennsylvania
10-May-1775
12-Dec-1776
Second Continental Congress
Baltimore
Henry Fite House
Maryland
20-Dec-1776
27-Feb-1777
Second Continental Congress
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Pennsylvania
5-Mar-1777
18-Sep-1777
Second Continental Congress
Lancaster
Court House
Pennsylvania
27-Sep-1777
27-Sep-1777
Second Continental Congress
York
Court House
Pennsylvania
30-Sep-1777
27-Jun-1778
Second Continental Congress
Philadelphia
College Hall[citation needed]
Pennsylvania
2-Jul-1778
1-Mar-1781
Second Continental Congress
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Pennsylvania
2-Mar-1781
21-Jun-1783
Congress of the Confederation
Princeton
Nassau Hall
New Jersey
30-Jun-1783
4-Nov-1783
Congress of the Confederation
Annapolis
Maryland State House
Maryland
26-Nov-1783
19-Aug-1784
Congress of the Confederation
Trenton
French Arms Tavern
New Jersey
1-Nov-1784
24-Dec-1784
Congress of the Confederation
New York
City Hall
New York
11-Jan-1785
6-Oct-1788
Congress of the Confederation
New York
Federal Hall
New York
4-Mar-1789
5-Dec-1790
United States Congress
Philadelphia
Congress Hall
Pennsylvania
6-Dec-1790
14-May-1800
United States Congress
District of Columbia
United States Capitol
-
17-Nov-1800
24-Aug-1814
United States Congress
Washington, D.C.
Blodgett's Hotel
-
19-Sep-1814
7-Dec-1815
United States Congress
Washington, D.C.
Old Brick Capitol
-
4-Dec-1815
3-Mar-1819
United States Congress
Washington, D.C.
United States Capitol
-
4-Mar-1819
present
United States Congress
History of the United States
The history of the U.S. is a complex tapestry woven with the threads of ambition, conflict, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Each era stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. This chronological exploration highlights key events and figures that have shaped the nation.
Colonial Period (1607-1775)
The foundation of the United States rests upon the early 17th century, marked by Jamestown's establishment in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement. The Colonial Period was characterized by European powers establishing colonies in the Americas, each seeking wealth and new beginnings. This era was also marked by the beginnings of slavery and conflict with Native American tribes, critical issues that would ripple through American history.
Revolutionary War (1775-1783)
The push for independence from Britain was fueled by increasing grievances over taxes and lack of representation, culminating in the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775. Figures such as George Washington emerged as pivotal leaders, guiding the Continental Army against the British. The Declaration of Independence in 1776 boldly asserted the colonies' right to govern themselves, setting the stage for the formation of a new nation.
Formation of a Nation (1783-1860)
Following victory in the Revolutionary War, the United States faced the daunting task of building a nation. The Constitution, adopted in 1787, established a federal government with checks and balances, an innovation in governance. However, this era was not without its challenges, including disputes over states' rights and the expansion westward, which intensified the debate over slavery.
Civil War (1861-1865)
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the final catalyst for the secession of Southern states, leading to the Civil War. The conflict was primarily over slavery and states' rights. Under Lincoln's leadership, the Union was preserved, and the war culminated in the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his dedication to preserving the Union are central to his legacy.
Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)
After the Civil War, the United States entered the Reconstruction Era, a period aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating freed slaves into society. Despite amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing rights to African Americans, the period was marked by political contention and the rise of segregation laws, laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
20th Century to Present
The 20th century witnessed the United States emerging as a global power through its involvement in World Wars, the Cold War, and its leadership in establishing international institutions. Domestically, the century was marked by significant social changes and movements, including the Civil Rights Movement led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., advocating for equality and justice for African Americans.
Throughout these historical periods, the United States has continually evolved, confronted by internal divisions and external pressures. Each era brought forth leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr., whose visions helped shape the nation's path. From the fight for independence to present-day challenges, the history of the United States remains a story of resilience and the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all.
Geography of the United States
The geography of the U.S. is vast and varied, offering endless opportunities for exploration and study. Whether one is intrigued by its physical features, climate zones, or the impact of natural disasters, the US provides a rich landscape for geographical education and discovery.
The United States of America, a vast country occupying a significant portion of North America, displays a remarkable diversity in its physical geography, ranging from the Arctic tundra of Alaska in the northwest to the tropical rainforests of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Spanning between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, it comprises 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.
Major Geographic Regions
The US can be divided into several distinct geographic regions, each with its own unique features:
The Pacific Coast
Including states like California, Oregon, and Washington, this region is known for its dramatic coastline, featuring tall cliffs and the famous Pacific Coast Highway. The area is seismically active, home to the Pacific Ring of Fire, and has some of the tallest trees in the world, the Redwoods.
The Rocky Mountains
Extending from Canada to New Mexico, the Rockies are a major mountain range offering stunning landscapes, rich in resources, and are a significant barrier to east-west travel.
The Great Plains
Lying east of the Rocky Mountains, this vast expanse of flat land stretches from Canada to Texas, characterized by prairie, steppes, and grassland. It is known as the "breadbasket" of the nation, due to its extensive agricultural productivity.
The Midwest
Often referred to as "America's Heartland", the Midwest includes states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It features a mix of urban centers like Chicago and vast agricultural lands, making it an economic hub of manufacturing and farming.
The Northeast
Including New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, this region is the most economically developed and densely populated. Significant historical cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia are located here, offering rich cultural heritage.
The South
Known for its distinct cultural identity, the South features historical sites related to the Civil War, vibrant music scenes, and a warmer climate. It includes the southeastern Atlantic states and the Gulf states.
The Southwest
This region, including Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, is known for its desert landscape, significant Native American heritage, and Spanish colonial history.
Alaska
The largest state by area, Alaska is separated from the contiguous United States by Canada. It has vast natural resources, including oil and natural gas, and is known for its rugged terrain and sparse population.
Hawaii
The only U.S. state located in the tropics, Hawaii is an archipelago in the central Pacific, famous for its lush landscapes, volcanoes, and beaches.
Geographical Features
Rivers and Lakes
The US is home to major rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado. The Great Lakes, shared with Canada, are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area.
Mountain Ranges
Besides the Rockies, the US features the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the Sierra Nevada in the west, and numerous other ranges.
Climate Variability
The US experiences a wide range of climates from the arid deserts of Nevada to the subtropical wetlands of Florida. This diversity contributes to a rich variety of ecosystems and environments.
National Parks and Monuments
The US has a long-standing tradition of preserving natural landscapes and historical sites. The National Park Service manages sites like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore that attract millions of visitors annually.
Key Facts
Area
Approximately 9.8 million square kilometers, making it the third or fourth-largest country by total area.
Population
Over 330 million people, making it the third-most populous country in the world.
Capital
Washington, D.C., is the federal capital, while New York City is the largest city by population.
Given its extensive geography, the United States encompasses a remarkable array of landscapes, climates, and cultures, contributing to its status as a dominant economic and political power globally.
Former national capitals
Kingdom and Republic of Hawaii
Before becoming a territory of the US in 1898, Hawaii was an independent nation. 5 sites served as its capital:
Hawaii
Capital
During
Kingdom of Hawaii
Waikīkī
1795 - 1796
Hilo
1796 - 1803
Kailua-Kona
1812 - 1820
Lahaina
1820 - 1845
Honolulu
1803 - 1812
1845 - January 17, 1893
January 17, 1893 - July 4, 1894 (as the seat of the Hawaii's Provisional Government after the dethrone of the Kingdom of Hawaii)
Republic of Hawaii
July 4, 1894 - July 7, 1898
Territory of Hawaii
July 7, 1898 - 1959 (covered by the Newlands Resolution to turn into the Territory of Hawaii)
State of Hawaii
1959 - till date (Hawaii on becoming a state of the US in 1959)
Republic of Texas
Prior to joining the US under the Texas Annexation in 1845, the state of Texas was an autonomous nation acknowledged as the Republic of Texas. 7 cities served as its capital:
City
During
Washington (now Washington-on-the-Brazos)
1836
Harrisburg (now part of Houston)
1836
Galveston
1836
Velasco
1836
West Columbia
1836
Houston
1837 - 1839
Austin
1839 - 1845 (present capital)
Native American capitals
Few Native American tribes, especially the 5 Civilized Tribes, formed their states with capitals and constitutions in Western style. Rest, like the Iroquois, had long-existing, pre-Columbian custom of a 'capitol' longhouse where council fires and wampum were continued with significant status. Since they did trade with the United States Federal Government, these capitals can be observe as officially accepted in some sense.
Cherokee Nation
Capital
During
New Echota
1825 - 1832
Red Clay
1832 - 1838
Tahlequah
1839 - 1907, 1938 - present
Cherokee
20th century - present (Cherokee's Eastern Band)
Muscogee Creek Nation
Capital
During
Hot Springs, Arkansas c.
1837-1866
Okmulgee
1867-1906
Iroquois Confederacy
Capital
During
Onondaga (Onondaga privilege c.)
1450-present
Seneca Nation of Indians
Jimerson Town (Allegany Reservation)
Irving (Cattaraugus Reservation)
Navajo Nation
Window Rock
Unrecognized national capitals
There have been few nations inside the present borders of the US which were never officially accepted as constitutionally autonomous sovereign entities; but, these entities did have actual regulation over their respective areas at the time of their existence.
