Where Would You Put the White House?

• Position: Selection of historic building location - Brief Article

In the years when the United States was young, news traveled very slowly. Today, news can reach us as soon as it happens. But 200 years ago, news traveled only as fast as a horse or ship could carry it.

So in 1783, when Congress decided that the United States should have a

permanent center of government, where to put it became a very important question. If it were in the North, then the Northern states would be close to the decision making. They might have more influence in debates, for example. But if the capital were in the South, the Northern states might be weakened. Many states also wanted the capital for the business it would bring. A debate raged. In 1790, George Washington put together a compromise.

Why was the location of Washington, D.C., selected? Look at the map. Use the scale and the information in the box to answer the following questions.

In the 1790s, a person could travel about 5 miles per hour, or 45 miles per day, on horseback.

1. Which city on the map is

   1. farthest north? b. farthest south? c. farthest inland from the Atlantic Coast?

2. The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia. Which city first received news of its signing?

   1. Kingston b. New York c. Richmond d. Harrisburg

3. Which city was the last to receive news of the Constitution's signing?

   1. Harrisburg b. New York c...