List of capitals in the United States

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US states in which the capital is the largest city

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US States that have changed capitals

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Exterior of the Independence Hall, Aug 2019

Federal Hall (48126566178)

US Capitol west side

Iolani Palace 2017

List of Capitals in the United States refers to the cities or towns that serve as the administrative centers of government in each of the 50 states in the United States. Each state has its own capital where the state government conducts its business. The capital city is often, but not always, the largest city in a state. It is usually chosen for its central location, historical significance, or political reasons.

Overview

The concept of a capital city has evolved over time, with many states changing their capitals in the early years of their history for various reasons, including economic, geographic, and political considerations. The selection of a state capital is a reflection of the state's identity and aspirations at the time of its designation.

List of State Capitals

Below is a list of the capitals of the 50 states in the United States:

1. Montgomery, Alabama
2. Juneau, Alaska
3. Phoenix, Arizona
4. Little Rock, Arkansas
5. Sacramento, California
6. Denver, Colorado
7. Hartford, Connecticut
8. Dover, Delaware
9. Tallahassee, Florida
10. Atlanta, Georgia
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
12. Boise, Idaho
13. Springfield, Illinois
14. Indianapolis, Indiana
15. Des Moines, Iowa
16. Topeka, Kansas
17. Frankfort, Kentucky
18. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
19. Augusta, Maine
20. Annapolis, Maryland
21. Boston, Massachusetts
22. Lansing, Michigan
23. Saint Paul, Minnesota
24. Jackson, Mississippi
25. Jefferson City, Missouri
26. Helena, Montana
27. Lincoln, Nebraska
28. Carson City, Nevada
29. Concord, New Hampshire
30. Trenton, New Jersey
31. Santa Fe, New Mexico
32. Albany, New York
33. Raleigh, North Carolina
34. Bismarck, North Dakota
35. Columbus, Ohio
36. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
37. Salem, Oregon
38. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
39. Providence, Rhode Island
40. Columbia, South Carolina
41. Pierre, South Dakota
42. Nashville, Tennessee
43. Austin, Texas
44. Salt Lake City, Utah
45. Montpelier, Vermont
46. Richmond, Virginia
47. Olympia, Washington
48. Charleston, West Virginia
49. Madison, Wisconsin
50. Cheyenne, Wyoming

Capital Selection Criteria

The criteria for selecting a state capital have varied over time and from state to state. Factors often considered include:

• Geographic Location: A central location within the state can make the capital more accessible to the majority of the state's population.
• Historical Significance: Some capitals were chosen because of their historical importance in the state's early development.
• Economic Considerations: The economic vitality of a city can also influence its selection as a state capital.
• Political Balance: In some cases, the selection of a capital city was a compromise to balance political power within the state.

Changes in State Capitals

Over the history of the United States, several states have changed their capitals. These changes were often motivated by the need to move the capital to a more central location, to accommodate a growing population, or to develop a newly planned city that could better serve as the state's administrative hub.

See Also

• United States
• State governments of the United States
• List of U.S. states and territories by population
• List of U.S. state nicknames