November 17, 1800 — Congress meets in Washington, D.C. for the first time
The U.S. Congress convened in the new, half-built Capitol in Washington, D.C., moving the seat of government to its permanent home on the Potomac. The city had been carved out of swampy farmland specifically to be a capital belonging to no single state — a neutral ground for the whole Union.
Common Questions
What happened on November 17 in American history?
In 1800: Congress meets in Washington, D.C. for the first time. The U.S.
Why is November 17 significant?
The U.S. Congress convened in the new, half-built Capitol in Washington, D.C., moving the seat of government to its permanent home on the Potomac. The city had been carved out of swampy farmland specifically to be a capital belonging to no single state — a neutral ground for the whole Union.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
Have you visited Washington, D.C.?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Get One of These Every Day
The FreedomMaxxing Daily Brief pairs a history moment like this with what's on your radar today and a live patriot poll — free, 60 seconds.