The 10 Oldest Capital Cities in the United States

Did you know the oldest capital city in the United States was established before the foundation of the country? In fact, some of the oldest state capitals are between 120 and 170 years older than the United States! In addition, these capital cities are often older than the states themselves, which gained statehood long after their capital was founded. Discover the 10 oldest capitals in the United States and find out who founded them.

10. Albany, New York

Albany, New York is one of the first-settled capital cities in the United States. In fact, Albany’s history dates back further than that of Santa Fe. While Santa Fe was established in 1610, Albany was settled in 1609. However, the city did not become the capital of New York until 1797, around 188 years after it was first settled! In addition, Henry Hudson first settled the city, and the famous Hudson River in New York was named for him. 

9. Raleigh, North Carolina

Ranking number nine on the list of the oldest capitals in the United States is Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh was selected as the site of the new capital by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1788. By 1792, Raleigh had been officially introduced as the state capital of North Carolina. The city’s first name was Wake Courthouse, but later it was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who was an explorer, statesman, writer, and more. Raleigh’s capitol building was constructed in 1794, but after a fire broke out in 1831, the capitol had to be redone. The current capitol dates to 1840, the year in which the new capitol building was completed.

8. Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort was first settled in 1786 and established as the capital of Kentucky in 1792. Thus, Frankfort holds the title of the eighth-oldest capital city in the United States. However, exploration of the area first began around the early 1750s. The term “Frankfort” derives from a man named Stephen Frank. Frank was killed by Native Americans in 1780 near a fording area on the river, and the event was called “Frank’s Ford.” Eventually, “Frank’s Ford” transformed into “Frankfort,” which remains the name of the capital city today.

7. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia became the capital of South Carolina in 1786, making it the seventh-oldest capital city in the United States. State officials desired to move the capital city of the state from Charleston to another location. Therefore, Columbia became the new capital city immediately after its construction.

During the Civil War, Columbia acted as a site of transportation for the Confederacy. However, a fire broke out in 1865 that devastated much of the city. Therefore, Columbia was reconstructed following the Civil War and has served as the capital city of South Carolina ever since. Today, the most prominent feature of the city is the University of South Carolina, which boasts an undergraduate population of over 26,000 students!

6. Trenton, New Jersey

The sixth-oldest capital city in the United States is Trenton, New Jersey, which was first settled in 1679. However, the city was first named The Falls and then Stacy’s Mills. Trenton adopted its current name in 1719 after William Trent organized the town in 1714. Trenton became the official state capital of New Jersey in 1790. In addition, Trenton acted as the temporary capital of the United States during both 1784 and 1799. The William Trent House remains the oldest landmark in the capital city, honoring the memory of William Trent, who helped establish the city.

5. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond was founded in 1737 but became a capital city in 1780, making it the fifth-oldest capital city in the United States. However, the area in which Richmond resides was first surveyed in 1607, long before its founding. Williamsburg, Virginia acted as the state capital until Richmond replaced it during the American Revolution.

Since its founding, Richmond has been the site of several important historical events. For instance, Richmond acted as the capital of the Confederacy during a portion of the Civil War. Moreover, several museums, buildings, and colleges speak to the city’s historical significance. For example, the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Robert E. Lee House, and the home of Chief Justice John Marshall all remember important figures of history, politics, and literature.

4. Dover, Delaware

While Dover is not the oldest capital city in the United States, it is the oldest capital adopted by a state in the country. Delaware was introduced as the first official state of the United States, making Dover the first official capital. However, Dover technically ranks as the fourth-oldest capital city in the country.

Dover was founded in 1717 but was named the official capital of the colony of Delaware in 1777. Delaware gained its statehood in 1787, around 10 years after Dover became the capital. One interesting fact about Dover is that despite its age, it has had little historical significance apart from the Dover Air Force Base, founded around the time of World War II.

3. Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis became the official capital of the Province of Maryland in 1694, but it was originally settled by exiled Puritans in 1649. Therefore, Annapolis holds the title of America’s third-oldest capital city. When the city was first being settled, it was not called Annapolis but given other names, such as Providence. However, Annapolis became the capital’s official name for Princess Anne of England, who was to take the throne. Today’s most prominent feature of this city is the United States Naval Academy, which trains young adults to enter the military.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston ranks as the second-oldest capital city in the United States, as it was established in 1630 by English Puritans. One interesting fact about Boston is that the first public school in the country began in this city. The school was called Boston Latin School. In addition, many people deem Boston as the city that catalyzed the American Revolution with events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. This town is not only one of the oldest capitals in the U.S., but it is also full of historical artifacts, architecture, and landmarks.

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

The city of Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States. Founded in 1610 by the Spanish, the city’s original name was Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi. In fact, the Spanish name “Santa Fe” translates to “Holy Faith” in English. However, Santa Fe was established as a territory capital before New Mexico became a state. In 1912, the U.S. accepted New Mexico into the Union, and Santa Fe acted as the official capital of the new state.

The 10 Oldest Capitals in the United States: A Comparison