Washington was made the capital because the Southern states specifically wanted something close to them -- rather than embedded in the North. See: Compromise of 1790.
A different capital would have to be in the same sort of border area, and not already the capital of a state.
Alternatively, New York or Philadelphia could remain the capital if the Southern states break away during the era of the Articles of Confederation.
A different capital would have to be in the same sort of border area, and not already the capital of a state.
Alternatively, New York or Philadelphia could remain the capital if the Southern states break away during the era of the Articles of Confederation.