List of U.S. State Capitals

US State Capitals

The United States of America, often called the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country in North America with 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. The 48 connected states and Washington, D.C. are between Canada and Mexico, while Alaska is in the northwest, and Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes and cultures. It’s a federal republic with a democratic government, and plays a key role in international organizations like the United Nations and NATO. US States Capitals are the primary cities in each of the 50 states where the government operates and important decisions are made.

List of US States and Capitals

Here’s a list of all 50 U.S. states along with their capitals:

Importance of US States and Their Capitals

1. Alabama – Montgomery became the capital in 1846, chosen for its central location. It played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
2. Alaska – Juneau, established as the capital in 1906 during the gold rush, replaced Sitka due to its more central location.
3. Arizona – Phoenix was selected as the capital in 1889 because of its growth and development, replacing Prescott.
4. Arkansas – Little Rock has been the capital since 1821. It was chosen for its central location in the state.
5. California – Sacramento, selected in 1854, replaced Vallejo as the capital due to its booming economy during the Gold Rush.
6. Colorado – Denver, founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, became the capital in 1867. It was chosen for its central location in the state.
7. Connecticut – Hartford, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., became the sole capital in 1875. It had previously shared the title with New Haven.
8. Delaware – Dover became the capital in 1777 after moving from New Castle, due to its central location.
9. Florida – Tallahassee was chosen in 1824 as a midpoint between Pensacola and St. Augustine, the two largest cities at the time.
10. Georgia – Atlanta, named capital in 1868, was selected for its status as a transportation hub.
11. Hawaii – Honolulu, established as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1845, has remained the capital since Hawaii became a U.S. state in 1959.
12. Idaho – Boise, chosen in 1865, replaced Lewiston due to its more central location and growth during the gold rush.
13. Illinois – Springfield, designated as the capital in 1837, was chosen largely due to efforts by Abraham Lincoln and other legislators.
14. Indiana – Indianapolis, planned as the state capital in 1820, was selected for its central location.
15. Iowa – Des Moines, chosen in 1857, replaced Iowa City due to its location near the geographical center of the state.
16. Kansas – Topeka, selected as the capital when Kansas became a state in 1861, was chosen for its position in the anti-slavery movement.
17. Kentucky – Frankfort was chosen as the capital in 1792 due to its central location and the offer of a free building site.
18. Louisiana – Baton Rouge, selected in 1849, replaced New Orleans due to its more inland location and less crowded setting.
19. Maine – Augusta became the capital in 1832, chosen for its more central location compared to the previous capital, Portland.
20. Maryland – Annapolis, designated in 1694, is known for its historic colonial architecture and being a key location during the American Revolution.
21. Massachusetts – Boston, the state’s largest city, has been the capital since 1630 and is known for its significant role in American history.
22. Michigan – Lansing was chosen as the capital in 1847 due to its more central location and to develop the interior of the state.
23. Minnesota – Saint Paul, named capital when Minnesota became a state in 1858, was chosen for its strategic location along the Mississippi River.
24. Mississippi – Jackson, selected in 1821, was named in honor of General Andrew Jackson and chosen for its central location.
25. Missouri – Jefferson City was designated as the capital in 1821, selected for its central location in the new state.
26. Montana – Helena, chosen in 1875, replaced Virginia City due to its gold deposits and economic potential.
27. Nebraska – Lincoln, named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, was chosen as the capital in 1867 when Nebraska became a state, replacing Omaha.
28. Nevada – Carson City, named after the mountain man Kit Carson, became the capital in 1861 due to its proximity to the silver mines.
29. New Hampshire – Concord, selected as the capital in 1808, replaced Portsmouth for being more centrally located.
30. New Jersey – Trenton, chosen in 1790, was selected for its location near the center of the state.
31. New Mexico – Santa Fe, established as the capital when New Mexico became a territory in 1851, is known for its Pueblo-style architecture.
32. New York – Albany, chosen as the capital in 1797, was selected for its central location and transportation advantages.
33. North Carolina – Raleigh, established as the capital in 1792, was chosen for its central location within the state.
34. North Dakota – Bismarck, designated as the capital when the state was created in 1889, was chosen for its growth potential.
35. Ohio – Columbus, designated in 1816, was chosen for its central location and navigable river.
36. Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, chosen in 1910, replaced Guthrie due to its central location and economic growth.
37. Oregon – Salem, selected as the capital in 1855, was chosen for its location in the fertile Willamette Valley.
38. Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, chosen in 1812, was selected for its central location and transportation advantages.
39. Rhode Island – Providence, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, has been the capital since the state’s inception and is known for its colonial history.
40. South Carolina – Columbia, selected as the capital in 1786, was chosen for its central location.
41. South Dakota – Pierre, chosen in 1889, was selected for its location near the geographic center of the state.
42. Tennessee – Nashville, designated as the capital in 1843, was chosen for its central location and cultural significance.
43. Texas – Austin, chosen in 1839, replaced Houston to be more centrally located.
44. Utah – Salt Lake City, established as the capital when Utah became a state in 1896, was chosen for its role as the center of the Mormon faith.
45. Vermont – Montpelier, chosen in 1805, was selected for its central location.
46. Virginia – Richmond, designated as the capital in 1780, was chosen for its defensive position during the American Revolution.
47. Washington – Olympia, selected as the capital in 1853, was chosen for its location on the Puget Sound.
48. West Virginia – Charleston, chosen in 1885, was selected for its central location and industrial potential.
49. Wisconsin – Madison, chosen in 1836, was selected for its central location on an isthmus between two lakes.
50. Wyoming – Cheyenne, designated as the capital when Wyoming became a state in 1890, was chosen for its location on the Union Pacific Railroad.

FAQs on US States and Capitals

How many states does the US have

The United States is comprised of 50 states, each with its own government and constitution. These states range in size, population, and geographical features, offering a diverse range of environments and cultures across the country.

How many states are in the USA

The USA consists of 50 states. Each state has a unique cultural identity and history, contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation. From the vast wilderness of Alaska to the sunny beaches of Florida, the USA's states provide a broad spectrum of experiences and landscapes.

What is the original capital of the United States

The original capital of the United States was New York City. It served as the nation’s capital from 1785 until 1790 and was the site of the inauguration of George Washington, the first President of the United States.

What is the main capital of USA

The main capital of the USA is Washington D.C. Established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital, it has been the seat of government since 1800 and is a symbol of the American political system.

When did Washington D.C. become the capital of the USA

Washington D.C. officially became the capital of the United States in 1790. The city was selected by President George Washington and developed as the seat of government to serve as a neutral ground for federal governance, distinct from the individual states.