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- George Washington is inaugurated as the first president of the United States.
- New York City is the current capital.
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The Inauguration of George Washington
Engraving by Montbaron and Gautschi, n.d.
Collection of The New York Historical Society (54615)
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- The Residence Act is passed calling for the creation of a permanent capital on the Potomac. The act locates government in Philadelphia for a period of ten years while the new capital is being established. The shift to Philadelphia is a sudden surprise for New York.
- After a survey of the region by Andrew Ellicott and preliminary plans are drawn up by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the exact site for the new federal city is chosen.
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| An East View of Gray's Ferry, near Philadelphia; with the Triumphal Arches, &c. erected for the Reception of General Washington, April 20th, 1789.
Library of Congress
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- Pierre Charles L'Enfant is commissioned to design the new city, including the Capitol building and the president's residence.
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L'Enfant's Plans for Washington
Library of Congress
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