U.S. State Capitals, Listed Oldest to Newest

Santa Fe street lit up at dusk — Established in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the U.S. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

State capitals provide a centralized location for the state's administrative, legislative and sometimes judicial branches. This facilitates efficient governance by bringing together key decision-makers, lawmakers and administrative staff in one place, streamlining communication, coordination and policy implementation.

A state capital can also serve as a symbol of state identity and heritage, often housing historical landmarks, government buildings and cultural institutions that reflect the state's history and values. The capital city can play a practical role in state politics, as the location of the capital can influence economic development, infrastructure investments and even electoral dynamics within the state.

Ultimately, state capitals are essential to the effective operation of state governments, providing a physical and symbolic hub for governance, representation and the preservation of state traditions.

How a City Becomes a Capital

The process of how a city becomes the capital of a U.S. state can vary, but it typically involves historical, political and sometimes geographical factors. Here is an outline of how it generally happens for most states.

Constitutional or legislative decision: Many state constitutions specify how and where the capital should be located. Often, this decision is made either by a provision in the state constitution or by legislation passed by the state legislature.
Historical factors: The choice of a capital city can be influenced by historical significance. Sometimes, the city chosen as the capital was already an important economic or cultural center within the state.
Geopolitical considerations: Geographical location can also play a role. The capital may be located centrally within the state to ensure accessibility for all regions, or it might be strategically placed for administrative convenience.
Economic and social factors: Economic factors, such as the availability of land and infrastructure, can influence where the capital is located. Social factors, including population distribution and demographic considerations, may also be taken into account.
Public opinion and politics: Public sentiment and political considerations often play a crucial role. Political negotiations and compromises can lead to decisions about where the capital should be located.
Relocation: In some cases, capitals have been relocated over time due to shifts in population, economic centers, or political considerations. This usually involves a legislative process to officially change the capital city.

U.S. Capital Cities in Alphabetical Order by State

The following table lists all 50 states and their respective capitals.

Capital City	State
Montgomery	Alabama
Juneau	Alaska
Phoenix	Arizona
Little Rock	Arkansas
Sacramento	California
Denver	Colorado
Hartford	Connecticut
Dover	Delaware
Tallahassee	Florida
Atlanta	Georgia
Honolulu	Hawaii
Boise	Idaho
Springfield	Illinois
Indianapolis	Indiana
Des Moines	Iowa
Topeka	Kansas
Frankfort	Kentucky
Baton Rouge	Louisiana
Augusta	Maine
Annapolis	Maryland
Boston	Massachusetts
Lansing	Michigan
Saint Paul	Minnesota
Jackson	Mississippi
Jefferson City	Missouri
Helena	Montana
Lincoln	Nebraska
Carson City	Nevada
Concord	New Hampshire
Trenton	New Jersey
Santa Fe	New Mexico
Albany	New York
Raleigh	North Carolina
Bismarck	North Dakota
Columbus	Ohio
Oklahoma City	Oklahoma
Salem	Oregon
Harrisburg	Pennsylvania
Providence	Rhode Island
Columbia	South Carolina
Pierre	South Dakota
Nashville	Tennessee
Austin	Texas
Salt Lake City	Utah
Montpelier	Vermont
Richmond	Virginia
Olympia	Washington
Charleston	West Virginia
Madison	Wisconsin
Cheyenne	Wyoming

U.S. Capital Cities From Oldest to Newest

From the earliest colonial settlements to the present day, the establishment of state capitals across the United States marks a variety of pivotal moments in the nation's growth, changes in control of governance and regional identity.

Several states adopted their capitals during colonial times, often choosing cities that were already established hubs of governance and commerce. Boston, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia, are examples of colonial capitals persisting into statehood.

However, there are many cases of updated state capitals in the United States, due to shifts in population, economic changes or political considerations. For instance, Oklahoma City became Oklahoma's capital after contentious debates over the location in the early 20th century.

Many states have moved their capital at least once before landing on the home base listed below, with the date that the city or town was established.

Capital City	State	Date Established
Santa Fe	New Mexico	1610
Boston	Massachusetts	1630
Annapolis	Maryland	1694
Dover	Delaware	1777
Richmond	Virginia	1780
Trenton	New Jersey	1784
Columbia	South Carolina	1786
Frankfort	Kentucky	1792
Raleigh	North Carolina	1792
Albany	New York	1797
Montpelier	Vermont	1805
Concord	New Hampshire	1808
Harrisburg	Pennsylvania	1812
Columbus	Ohio	1816
Little Rock	Arkansas	1821
Jackson	Mississippi	1821
Tallahassee	Florida	1824
Indianapolis	Indiana	1825
Jefferson City	Missouri	1826
Nashville	Tennessee	1826
Augusta	Maine	1832
Springfield	Illinois	1837
Madison	Wisconsin	1838
Austin	Texas	1839
Honolulu	Hawaii	1845
Montgomery	Alabama	1846
Lansing	Michigan	1847
Saint Paul	Minnesota	1849
Olympia	Washington	1853
Sacramento	California	1854
Salem	Oregon	1855
Topeka	Kansas	1856
Des Moines	Iowa	1857
Salt Lake City	Utah	1858
Carson City	Nevada	1861
Boise	Idaho	1865
Denver	Colorado	1867
Lincoln	Nebraska	1867
Atlanta	Georgia	1868
Cheyenne	Wyoming	1869
Hartford	Connecticut	1875
Helena	Montana	1875
Baton Rouge	Louisiana	1880
Bismarck	North Dakota	1883
Charleston	West Virginia	1885
Pierre	South Dakota	1889
Providence	Rhode Island	1900
Juneau	Alaska	1906
Oklahoma City	Oklahoma	1910
Phoenix	Arizona	1912

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Now That's Interesting

Long before the U.S. Capitol building stood as the architectural symbol of America in Washington, D.C., New York City was the first capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790. As if NYC needed one more claim to fame! George Washington took the oath of office to become the nation's first president on the balcony of the old Federal Hall. Philadelphia, the "birthplace of America," was then the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800 and where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. After a decade of preparation and construction, Washington, D.C. was then prepared to take over as the national capital.