Residence Act signed, making Washington D.C capital
By Lee Sutton
Created 07/16/2012 - 10:46
President George Washington signs the Residence Act into law, officially designating Washington, D.C. as the future capital of the United States. Washington D.C. was chosen during a compromise between Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, as Jefferson and Madison wanted a southern capital close to Virginia while Hamilton sought their political support for the Assumption bill.