What if the newly formed United States of America chose a different capital city over then washington D.C, what city would be the most likely and how would this affect history?
I believe that New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Columbus were all considered as choices for the location of the US capital. The last was considered because of fears that DC was too vulnerable on the coast. Following the burning of the capital city, the US decided to keep it there out of spite.
Wikipedia said:Wright and town citizens renamed the town “Columbia” in honor of Christopher Columbus in the hope of influencing the U.S. Congress to select it as the nation’s capital, a plan George Washington favored.[3] A formal proposal to do so was made in 1789. Unfortunately for the town, when Congress voted in 1790, the final tally was one vote short. Later, Columbia narrowly missed becoming the capital of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg was chosen instead, since it is closer to the state’s geographical center. The third strikeout was despite its competitive location in regards to transportation, coal, and steel, resources, Columbia narrowly lost out to Detroit during the selection process for a center for the new automotive industry.
Please use the forum's search function, as this topic (different site chosen, multiple sites chosen, capital moved - after Wof1812 - after ACW, rotating the seat of government) is a well plowed field.