US State Capitals

The United States has 50 state capitals, each serving as the seat of government for their respective states. These cities vary greatly in size, history, and character, from small historic towns to major metropolitan areas.

State capitals were chosen for various reasons, including geographic location, political compromise, or historical significance. Some capitals have remained unchanged since statehood, while others have moved multiple times.

State Capitals Directory

State ↕ Capital Year Established ↕ Population ↕
Alabama Montgomery 1846 198,525
Alaska Juneau 1906 31,974
Arizona Phoenix 1889 1,608,139
Arkansas Little Rock 1821 202,591
California Sacramento 1854 524,943
Colorado Denver 1867 727,211
Connecticut Hartford 1875 121,054
Delaware Dover 1777 39,403
Florida Tallahassee 1824 196,169
Georgia Atlanta 1868 498,715
Hawaii Honolulu 1845 347,397
Idaho Boise 1865 235,684
Illinois Springfield 1837 114,394
Indiana Indianapolis 1825 887,642
Iowa Des Moines 1857 214,237
Kansas Topeka 1856 126,587
Kentucky Frankfort 1792 28,602
Louisiana Baton Rouge 1846 227,470
Maine Augusta 1832 18,899
Maryland Annapolis 1694 40,812
Massachusetts Boston 1630 675,647
Michigan Lansing 1847 118,210
Minnesota Saint Paul 1849 308,096
Mississippi Jackson 1821 153,701
Missouri Jefferson City 1826 42,938
Montana Helena 1875 32,091
Nebraska Lincoln 1867 289,102
Nevada Carson City 1861 55,916
New Hampshire Concord 1808 43,627
New Jersey Trenton 1784 83,387
New Mexico Santa Fe 1610 84,683
New York Albany 1797 99,224
North Carolina Raleigh 1792 467,665
North Dakota Bismarck 1883 73,529
Ohio Columbus 1816 898,553
Oklahoma Oklahoma City 1910 681,054
Oregon Salem 1851 174,365
Pennsylvania Harrisburg 1812 49,271
Rhode Island Providence 1636 179,883
South Carolina Columbia 1786 131,674
South Dakota Pierre 1889 13,961
Tennessee Nashville 1826 689,447
Texas Austin 1839 961,855
Utah Salt Lake City 1858 199,723
Vermont Montpelier 1805 7,855
Virginia Richmond 1779 226,622
Washington Olympia 1853 55,605
West Virginia Charleston 1885 48,864
Wisconsin Madison 1838 258,366
Wyoming Cheyenne 1869 65,132

Interesting Capital Facts

Largest Capital

Phoenix, Arizona is the most populous state capital with over 1.6 million residents.

Smallest Capital

Montpelier, Vermont is the least populous state capital with about 7,800 residents.

Oldest Capital

Santa Fe, New Mexico, established in 1610, is the oldest capital city in the United States.

Most Recent Change

Alaska's capital changed to Juneau in 1906, the most recent permanent capital change.

Notable Capital Categories

Historic Capitals

  • Boston, MA - Revolutionary War significance
  • Richmond, VA - Confederate capital
  • Philadelphia, PA - First U.S. capital
  • Santa Fe, NM - Oldest capital city

Geographic Centers

  • Springfield, IL - Central location
  • Columbus, OH - Chosen for accessibility
  • Indianapolis, IN - Geographic center
  • Jefferson City, MO - Central location

Major Metropolitan

  • Phoenix, AZ - Largest capital
  • Atlanta, GA - Major hub
  • Denver, CO - Mile High City
  • Boston, MA - Historic metropolis

Unique Features

  • Juneau, AK - No road access
  • Honolulu, HI - Only island capital
  • Salt Lake City, UT - Religious heritage
  • Sacramento, CA - Gold Rush history

Historical Development

Colonial Era

Early Capitals

Many original state capitals were established during colonial times, often in coastal cities or trading centers.

1800s

Westward Expansion

As states joined the Union, capitals were often placed in central locations to ensure accessibility for all residents.

1900s

Modern Growth

State capitals evolved into modern administrative centers, with some becoming major metropolitan areas.