Capital Moves to D.C.: U.S. Government Relocates
The 6th Congress recessed and federal workers began packing government records for the move from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., a purpose-built capital carved from Maryland and Virginia marshland. The relocation fulfilled a decade-old compromise between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, placing the seat of government in a southern location in exchange for federal assumption of state debts.
May 14, 1800
226 years ago
Key Figures & Places
session
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recesses
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Federal government of the United States
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Philadelphia
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Washington, D.C.
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6th United States Congress
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Recess (break)
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Federal government of the United States
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Philadelphia
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Washington, D.C.
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Pennsylvania
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Constitution of the United States
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