State Capitols in the United States – Legends of America
The United States, a nation woven from the threads of fifty distinct states, each boasts its own unique identity, history, and of course, its own capital city. While Washington, D.C., serves as the nation’s capital, these fifty state capitals are the epicenters of state governance, culture, and history.
The story of each state capital is a fascinating journey through time, often reflecting the state’s territorial evolution, economic shifts, and political struggles. While some states have maintained a single capital since their inception, others have witnessed a carousel of capital cities before settling on a permanent location. This article delves into the captivating narratives behind each of the fifty state capitals, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American history.
Alabama – Montgomery
Alabama’s capital history is a testament to the state’s dynamic evolution. Since becoming a U.S. territory in 1817, Alabama has seen five different cities serve as its capital. St. Stephens, now a part of Washington County, held the initial honor, followed by Huntsville upon Alabama’s statehood in 1819. Political maneuvering then shifted the capital to Cahawba in 1820, but as power centers evolved, Tuscaloosa became the capital in 1826. Finally, in 1846, the centrally located Montgomery was chosen as the permanent capital, a decision that has stood the test of time.
Alaska – Juneau
Alaska’s capital story begins with Sitka, the capital of Russian America since 1808. When the United States acquired Alaska in 1867, Sitka retained its capital status until 1906, when the seat of government moved to Juneau. When Alaska joined the Union as the 49th state in 1959, Juneau remained the capital. Today, Juneau stands as the largest capital in the country in terms of municipal land area, a testament to Alaska’s vastness.
Arizona – Phoenix
Arizona’s capital history is a tale of political tug-of-war. When Arizona became a U.S. territory in 1863, Fort Whipple served as the first capital, but it was quickly moved to Prescott in 1864. In 1867, the capital shifted to the more developed Tucson, only to return to Prescott in 1877 due to its strong political influence. Amidst this political wrangling, the government sought a compromise, choosing Phoenix, a city situated halfway between Prescott and Tucson, as the capital in 1889. When Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, Phoenix retained its capital status and has since grown into the state’s largest city.
Arkansas – Little Rock
Arkansas’s capital journey began in 1804 when the region became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. Arkansas Post served as the initial capital when Arkansas was designated a federal territory in 1819. However, in 1820, Little Rock, strategically located in the territory’s geographical center and along the Arkansas River, became the new capital. Little Rock retained its status when Arkansas joined the Union in 1836, except during the Civil War when the Confederate government temporarily relocated the capital to Hot Springs and then Washington. After the war, the capital returned to Little Rock, where it remains today.
California – Sacramento
California’s path to its final capital in Sacramento was a winding five-year journey. The first State Constitutional Convention took place in Monterey in 1849, but the legislators soon moved to San Jose. Due to limited accommodations, the capital moved to Vallejo in 1852, but Vallejo proved equally inadequate. The legislature then moved to Sacramento in 1852, only to move back to Vallejo and then Benicia. After a brief stay in Benicia, the capital finally settled in Sacramento in 1854, where it has remained ever since.
Colorado – Denver
Colorado’s capital story is intertwined with the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. After the territory was organized in 1861, Colorado City became the first capital, but it was soon moved to Golden City in 1863. Finally, in 1869, the capital was moved to Denver, a burgeoning city fueled by the gold rush. When Colorado joined the Union in 1876, Denver retained its capital status.
Connecticut – Hartford
Connecticut’s capital history reflects its colonial origins. Until 1662, Connecticut consisted of two separate colonies: Connecticut Colony (Hartford) and New Haven Colony. After King Charles II united the colonies, Hartford served as the sole capital until 1701, when a co-capital system was established with New Haven. Each city handled different aspects of the government, but the General Assembly always convened in Hartford. This dual-capital arrangement continued until 1875, when Hartford was designated as the sole capital.
Delaware – Dover
Delaware’s capital journey began as part of Pennsylvania. The "Three Lower Counties," which would become Delaware, grew dissatisfied with William Penn’s rule, and in 1704, he granted them a separate legislature with New Castle as the colonial capital. The counties remained part of Pennsylvania until 1776, when they declared permanent separation. In 1777, the capital was moved to Dover for its central location and protection from British raids during the American Revolution. After temporary relocations to other cities, Dover was permanently established as the capital in 1781.
Florida – Tallahassee
Florida’s capital history is rooted in its Spanish colonial past. Before 1821, Florida was divided into East Florida and West Florida, with St. Augustine and Pensacola serving as their respective capitals. To alternate government sessions between the two cities was a hazardous journey, so Tallahassee was chosen in 1824 as a centralized capital, located midway between St. Augustine and Pensacola.
Georgia – Atlanta
Georgia’s capital history is a tale of shifting power dynamics. Savannah served as the capital during British colonial rule, but the capital moved to Augusta during the Revolutionary War. After shifting among various locations, the capital returned to Savannah in 1782 and then to Augusta in 1786. In 1796, the capital moved to Louisville, followed by Milledgeville in 1807. Finally, in 1868, Atlanta became the capital, reflecting its growing importance as a center of commerce and industry.
Hawaii – Honolulu
Hawaii’s capital history dates back to its monarchy. Honolulu, the largest city, was the capital when the United States annexed the islands as a territory in 1898. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, Honolulu remained the capital.
Idaho – Boise
After the formation of the Idaho Territory in 1863, Lewiston briefly served as its capital. However, the territorial Legislature swiftly moved the capital to Boise on December 24, 1864, recognizing its potential as a center of commerce and governance. When Idaho achieved statehood on July 3, 1890, Boise’s position as the capital was solidified, and it has remained the heart of Idaho’s political landscape ever since.
Illinois – Springfield
Illinois’ capital history reflects the state’s westward expansion. After becoming a territory in 1809, Kaskaskia served as the capital, but in 1820, the capital moved to Vandalia. After much debate, Springfield was chosen as the new capital in 1837, a decision that has endured to this day.
Indiana – Indianapolis
Indiana’s capital journey began in Vincennes, the first territorial capital after Indiana Territory was created in 1800. In 1813, the capital moved to Corydon, a more central location. In 1816, Indiana was admitted to the Union, and in 1825, the seat of state government relocated to Indianapolis, where it has remained since.
Iowa – Des Moines
Iowa’s capital history mirrors the state’s growth and development. Burlington served as the temporary capital from 1838 to 1841, followed by Iowa City as the official territorial capital. When Iowa joined the Union in 1846, Iowa City remained the capital, but with the influx of settlers, the capital was moved to Des Moines in 1857 for its central location.
Kansas – Topeka
Kansas’s capital history is intertwined with the tumultuous period known as "Bleeding Kansas." After the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, several places served as territorial capitals, including Leavenworth, Shawnee Mission, Pawnee, and Lecompton. When Kansas became a state in 1861, Topeka was chosen as the permanent capital, a decision ratified by the people in an election.
Kentucky – Frankfort
Kentucky’s capital history is tied to its separation from Virginia. After Virginia consented to Kentucky’s statehood, Frankfort became the state capital in 1792 after pledging more manpower toward constructing a statehouse than any other city.
Louisiana – Baton Rouge
Louisiana’s capital history is a complex narrative reflecting its colonial past and Civil War experiences. New Orleans served as the capital of the French colony of Louisiana and continued as the capital of the Territory of Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase. After a brief stint in Donaldsonville, the capital moved to Baton Rouge in 1847. During the Civil War, the state government relocated to Opelousas and Shreveport, and the capitol in Baton Rouge was damaged by fire. After the war, the capital returned to New Orleans before finally settling back in Baton Rouge in 1882.
Maine – Augusta
Maine’s capital history is linked to its secession from Massachusetts. After Maine became a state in 1820, Portland served as the capital until 1832, when it was moved to the more central Augusta.
Maryland – Annapolis
Maryland’s capital history is intertwined with the early days of the United States. Annapolis served as the first peacetime capital of the U.S. from 1783 to 1784, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified there. When Maryland became a state in 1788, Annapolis became its capital. It is the smallest capital city by land area in the nation.
Massachusetts – Boston
Massachusetts’ capital history is one of the longest continuous capital cities in the United States. Boston was chosen as the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and has remained the capital since Massachusetts became a state in 1788.
Michigan – Lansing
Michigan’s capital history is a tale of westward expansion. Detroit served as the territorial capital from 1805 until 1847, when the capital was moved to Lansing Township, a "howling wilderness" at the time. Despite initial skepticism, Lansing grew into a thriving city and remains the capital today.
Minnesota – St. Paul
Minnesota’s capital history is relatively straightforward. St. Paul became the territorial capital in 1849 and remained the capital when Minnesota became a state in 1858.
Mississippi – Jackson
Mississippi’s capital history reflects its westward expansion. Natchez served as the first capital, but political rivalry moved the capital to Washington in 1802. In 1821, the capital was moved to Jackson, located in the state’s center.
Missouri – Jefferson City
Missouri’s capital history reflects the desire for a central location. St. Louis served as the seat of government when the Missouri Territory was organized, but when Missouri became a state in 1821, the capital was moved to St. Charles. In 1826, the capital moved to Jefferson City, chosen for its central location and access to rivers.
Montana – Helena
Montana’s capital history began in 1875 when Helena became the territorial capital. When Montana became a state in 1889, Helena remained the capital.
Nebraska – Lincoln
Nebraska’s capital history reflects the need for a more accessible location. Omaha served as the territorial capital, but its location north of the Platte River proved inconvenient for many residents. When Nebraska became a state in 1867, the capital was moved to Lancaster, which was renamed Lincoln in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
Nevada – Carson City
Nevada’s capital history is relatively simple. Genoa served as the provisional capital of the Nevada Territory before it was moved to Carson City, where it has remained since Nevada became a state in 1864.
New Hampshire – Concord
New Hampshire’s capital history reflects the desire for a central location. After shuttling around during the American Revolution, New Hampshire citizens clamored for a centrally located capital, and Concord became the de facto capital in 1808, though not by law until 1816.
New Jersey – Trenton
New Jersey’s capital history began in Elizabeth, the first capital during the colonial period. Trenton was made the official capital of New Jersey in 1790.
New Mexico – Santa Fe
New Mexico’s capital history is the longest continuous capital in the United States. Santa Fe has served as the capital since 1610, first for the Spanish "Kingdom of New Mexico," then for the Mexican territory, and finally for the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is also the highest in elevation at 7,000 ft.
New York – Albany
New York’s capital history reflects the state’s early struggles. After the state declared sovereignty in 1777, the Legislature frequently moved the state capital between Albany, Kingston, Hurley, Poughkeepsie, and New York City. In 1797, the state capital of New York was moved permanently to Albany.
North Carolina – Raleigh
North Carolina’s capital history is a tale of westward expansion. After various locations served as temporary capitals, Raleigh was chosen as the permanent capital in 1792, reflecting the state’s westward shift in population.
North Dakota – Bismarck
North Dakota’s capital history is linked to the Dakota Territory. When the Dakota Territory was established in 1861, Yankton (now in South Dakota) served as the first territorial capital. In 1883, the capital was moved to Bismarck, which became the capital of North Dakota when it became a state in 1889.
Ohio – Columbus
Ohio’s capital history reflects the state’s early development. Chillicothe served as the first capital, followed by Zanesville and then back to Chillicothe. In 1816, the capital moved to Columbus, where it remains today.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma City
Oklahoma’s capital history is relatively recent. After Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Guthrie served as the territorial capital. In 1910, the state allowed the voters to decide whether or not to move the capital to Oklahoma City, and after passing, Oklahoma City became the official capital in June. To this date, Oklahoma City is the shortest-serving current state capital.
Oregon – Salem
Oregon’s capital history began in Oregon City, the territorial capital at the end of the Oregon Trail. In 1852, the capital was moved to Salem.
Pennsylvania – Harrisburg
Pennsylvania’s capital history began in Philadelphia, where Independence Hall served as the statehouse and the nation’s capital. In 1799, the State Assembly moved westward to Lancaster, and a year later, Congress convened in Washington, D.C. However, Lancaster’s life as the state capital would be brief, as it moved to Harrisburg in 1812 and has remained since.
Rhode Island – Providence
Rhode Island’s capital history is unique. Between 1681 and 1854, the government rotated between Providence, Newport, Bristol, East Greenwich, and Kingston. In 1854, the state began to rotate its capital between Newport and Providence, a practice that continued for more than 40 years. In 1901, Providence became the sole capital of Rhode Island.
South Carolina – Columbia
South Carolina’s capital history began in Charleston. In 1786, the legislature decided to build a town and move the seat of government to Columbia.
South Dakota – Pierre
South Dakota’s capital history is linked to the Dakota Territory. When the Territory of Dakota was created in 1861, Yankton served as the first territorial capital. In 1889, the territory was split and admitted to the Union as North and South Dakota states. At that time, Pierre was designated as the state capital when South Dakota.
Tennessee – Nashville
Tennessee’s capital history is a tale of shifting priorities. Knoxville served as the first capital, followed by Nashville, Kingston, Murfreesboro, and then finally Nashville again, which has remained the capital since 1826.
Texas – Austin
Texas’ capital history is a complex narrative reflecting its Spanish, Mexican, and independent republic past. After serving as the capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, Texas declared independence in 1836. The newly independent government met at several places before making Columbia the first capital of the Republic of Texas. After moving to Houston, Waterloo was chosen to replace Houston as the capital of Texas. Shortly after, the city’s name was changed to Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas” and the first Secretary of State for the republic. After some shifting of the capital, the Constitution of 1845 provided that Austin be the capital, and it has remained there since.
Utah – Salt Lake City
Utah’s capital history began in Fillmore, but the legislature soon moved the Territorial Capital to the larger community of Salt Lake City, which has remained since.
Vermont – Montpelier
Vermont’s capital history reflects its early independence. After declaring independence in 1777, the Vermont General Assembly met in various towns. In 1805, the General Assembly chose Montpelier as the new seat of the state government. Montpelier, located near the state’s center, is the nation’s smallest capital by population.
Virginia – Richmond
Virginia’s capital history dates back to the colonial era. Jamestown served as the colonial capital from 1616 until 1699. Williamsburg served as the capital from 1699 to 1780, and in 1780, Governor Thomas Jefferson urged the capital to be relocated to Richmond.
Washington – Olympia
Washington’s capital history began in Olympia, which was chosen as the territorial capital. When Washington was admitted as a state in 1889, the capital remained at Olympia.
West Virginia – Charleston
West Virginia’s capital history reflects its secession from Virginia. When the state seceded from Virginia in 1861, the seat of government was held at Wheeling. The capital moved to Charleston in 1865, but the legislature returned to Wheeling in 1875. In 1877, a statewide election determined that Charleston would be the permanent capital.
Wisconsin – Madison
Wisconsin’s capital history began in Belmont, the first territorial capital. In 1837, a new building was constructed at Burlington, Iowa, which became the second capital of the territory. In 1838, the U.S. Congress created the Territory of Iowa, which forced the Wisconsin legislature to move to Madison sooner than intended. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, the capital remained in Madison.
Wyoming – Cheyenne
Wyoming’s capital history began in 1869 when Cheyenne became the territorial capital. When Wyoming was admitted to the Union in 1890, the capital remained in Cheyenne.
Each of these fifty state capitals tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse histories and experiences of the American states. From the bustling metropolises to the quaint, historic towns, these capitals are not only centers of government but also vibrant cultural hubs that offer a glimpse into the heart of America.