Founding1800
Congress Meets in Washington, D.C. for First Time
The United States Congress convened for the first time in the new capital city of Washington, D.C. President John Adams addressed the body in the still-unfinished Capitol building, marking the beginning of federal governance from the permanent capital.
Why It Matters
Moving the capital to Washington, D.C. fulfilled the constitutional provision for a federal district and established the seat of government that has served the republic for over two centuries.