The U.S. capital was moved to Washington D.C. to establish a neutral location between Northern and Southern states and foster national unity.
The decision to move the U.S. capital to Washington, D.C. was primarily influenced by a compromise reached during the late 18th century.
The Residence Act of 1790, passed by the U.S. Congress, mandated the establishment of a federal district to serve as the nation's capital along the Potomac River.
The move aimed to address sectional tensions between the northern and southern states.
Key reasons for selecting Washington, D.C. as the capital included:
1. Geographical Neutrality: The location along the Potomac River was seen as geographically central, situated between the northern and southern states, fostering a sense of neutrality.
2. Southern Support: The decision to move the capital from New York City to a southern location was part of a broader compromise between Alexander Hamilton, who sought federal assumption of state debts, and southern states that wanted the capital moved closer to their region.
3. Creation of a Federal District: The establishment of a federal district, not within any state, aimed to avoid potential conflicts over state loyalties and provide a neutral ground for the federal government.
4. Influence of Pierre Charles L'Enfant: French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant played a crucial role in designing the city with broad avenues and public spaces, emphasizing the grandeur and permanence of the nation's capital.
The construction of Washington, D.C. began in 1791, and the city officially became the capital of the United States in 1800.
Question
Why was US capital moved to Washington DC?