York, Pennsylvania – The Unsung First Capital?

 

York, Pennsylvania – The Unsung First Capital?

When most folks think of the first capital of the United States, cities like Philadelphia or New York City come to mind, as these were the cities everyone associates with the Revolution. But what about York, Pennsylvania, a place known fondly to the locals as America’s first capital? The citizens of York Pennsylvania loudly and proudly claim their city as America’s first capital, and name everything from food shops to storage locations after this idea.York is situated in Central Pennsylvania, about halfway between Gettysburg and Wilkes-Barre, along interstate 83 and 30. York's role in the American Revolution makes its claim to the title credible and not as crazy as you would think. In the following Poseytalks Blog, we are going to look at these claims.

    In 1777, the Continental Congress, who were at the time fleeing from British forces, left Philadelphia and set up in York. This is where they would stay until 1778, making their homes in the city. It was on September 30, 1777 that Congress restarted its work in York. This set them up as a temporary capital of the young nation, currently embroiled in a battle for its new soul. North Carolina's William Hooper led the Congress, and adopted the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. This was America's first constitution, and while it would not stay as such, it was a document that was vital to the birth of the United States.  Edmund Pendleton, the president of Congress, said on November 17, 1777, "It is our indispensable duty to future ages to handle this great and glorious trust, bequeathed to us by our forefathers, with the most scrupulous and sacred care."1

     Even though the Articles of Confederation were later replaced by the U.S. Constitution as all High School students and below are taught, they were the first attempt at a national government of the United States. The small city of York was the scene of many of these intense debates about state sovereignty, federal power, and mutual defense, and what place the government should take in them. In York places such as The Golden Plough Tavern and the Colonial Complex let visitors experience 18th-century life. The Colonial Complex includes buildings like the York County Courthouse, which is where the Articles of Confederation were signed by Congress, and visitors can even walk the halls here these early American leaders made many critical decisions.2.

     York celebrates its revolutionary heritage with annual events and festivals for everyone to join. It’s community comes together for reenactments, shows, and festivals that honor the past, and the important part the city played. Events like the York Heritage Festival and Revolutionary War Weekend draw decent sized crowds every year, teaching people about York’s role in the fight, as many do not know.  This helps people understand the fight for freedom and boost local pride.3

    Along with these types of events, the local museums and historical societies play a large role in keeping the information alive and thriving. The York County History Center features exhibits on York's role in the Revolutionary War. It is here you can go to see artifacts, documents, and interactive displays in order to learn more about the local history. The center’s programs and tours are usually done with schools and community groups, and strive to make the local history engaging and accessible for everyone who is interested.4  Even though it is not known to the rest of the country, York and its proud people had a large part to play in the Revolutionary war, ensuring that the Founding Fathers had a place to create the country.5

     York’s status as the first capital of the United States is cemented by the significant legislation and debates that happened occurred there. The Articles that created the first national government of the country prove to many, including the locals, that this was indeed the first capital, albeit short lived.. It was in York that the Continental Congress established the United States Treasury and ratified the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778. This treaty was vital in gaining French support during the Revolutionary war, which helped to secure the successful outcome, and allowing our Founding Fathers to be as revered as they are, instead of branded as traitors. The legislative actions in York underscore the importance of the city as a center of political activity during the critical period in American history.

     Despite its historical significance, York's place as the first capital is often overshadowed by larger cities. However, this oversight does not diminish the town's contributions to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States. York's role as a temporary capital highlights the fluid and precarious nature of the early American government, which had to adapt quickly to the threats posed by British forces. The town's ability to host the Continental Congress and facilitate crucial political developments speaks to its resilience and strategic importance.6

     In conclusion, York, Pennsylvania, holds a unique place in American history as the first capital of the United States. Its significant contributions during the Revolutionary War, including the adoption of the Articles of Confederation and other key legislative actions, cement its legacy in the nation's formation. Through its historical sites, cultural celebrations, and educational institutions, York continues to honor and preserve its revolutionary heritage. By exploring and recognizing York's pivotal role, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shaped the early United States, appreciating the rich tapestry of local histories that contribute to our national story.

Footnotes

  1. James McClure, Never to Be Forgotten: A Year-by-Year Look at York County's Past (York: York Daily Record, 1999), 45-47.
  2. George Prowell, History of York County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1907), 120-122.
  3. Sarah H. Layman, "York: Temporary Capital of the United States," Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies 37, no. 2 (1970): 110-112.
  4. Layman, "York: Temporary Capital," 110-112.
  5. McClure, Never to Be Forgotten, 50-53.
  6. Prowell, History of York County, 125-127.

Bibliography

McClure, James. Never to Be Forgotten: A Year-by-Year Look at York County's Past. York: York Daily Record, 1999.

Prowell, George. History of York County, Pennsylvania. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1907.

Layman, Sarah H. "York: Temporary Capital of the United States." Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies 37, no. 2 (1970): 110-112.

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