23 American History Questions Most Americans Get Wrong

2. What city was the first capital of the United States?

Correct: New York City
Incorrect: Washington, D.C.

The Big Apple— where George Washington made the first inaugural address on April 30, 1789—was the first capital of the country. However, Washington and New York aren’t alone when it comes to that national honor.
Other cities that have served as capital throughout history in chronological order include Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Lancaster, Pennsylvania (for 24 hours!); York, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; Annapolis, Maryland; and Trenton, New Jersey.