While some members of Congress from northern states were advocating relocation of the federal government, Philadelphia’s city government sent a resolution to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives offering “suitable places for their accommodation, as well as that of the other departments.”
Records of the House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
Resolution of the City of Philadelphia offering accommodation . . . , September 26, 1814
Moving the Seat of Government
Washington, D.C., was founded in 1790 to be the nation’s capital. The federal government, which had previously met in New York and Philadelphia, relocated there in 1800. After the British burned Washington’s public buildings—including the U.S. Capitol—in August 1814, northern congressmen proposed moving the government, at least temporarily, back to Philadelphia. A House committee considered the matter, but the full House defeated the bill when put to a vote. District citizens built a temporary brick Capitol for Congress, and Washington, D.C., remained the seat of government.
Resolved, that it is inexpedient expedient to remove the seat of government at this time, from the city of Washington.
Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of removing the Seat of Government, October 3, 1814
While some members of Congress from northern states were advocating relocation of the federal government, Philadelphia’s city government sent a resolution to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives offering “suitable places for their accommodation, as well as that of the other departments.”
Records of the House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
