As we delve into the historical origins of the city, we can see that it was a place borne of politics, by politics, and for politics. It is fascinating to learn that the decision to establish Washington D.C. as the nation’s capital was not an easy one, and it did not happen overnight.
In fact, Washington, D.C. was not the first city to host the national government, as Baltimore, Lancaster, York, Annapolis, Trenton, Philadelphia, and even New York City all had their turn at the helm.
However, it is clear from history that Washington was the right choice for the U.S. capital. On July 16, 1790, Congress passed The Residence Act, which established that the capital of the U.S.
will be located along the Potomac River. This momentous decision paved the way for the creation of a new city that would become the center of political power in America. Today, Washington, D.C. stands as a testament to its historical roots and a symbol of the enduring strength of American democracy.