Alan Sims

This bit of history is written into the Constitution!

On this day in 1800, America’s government began one of the most important transitions in our nation’s early history.

On May 15, 1800, President John Adams officially ordered the federal government to leave Philadelphia and relocate to the newly established capital city of Washington, D.C.

At the time, the entire federal government consisted of just over 125 employees — clerks, officials, records, and departments that would all need to be transferred to a city that was still largely unfinished.

Adams instructed every federal office to be fully operational in Washington by June 15, 1800.

Within months:

• Philadelphia ceased serving as the nation’s capital
• Adams arrived in the District of Columbia
• The first federal offices opened in Washington
• Congress met in the city for the first time
• And on November 1, 1800, John and Abigail Adams became the first residents of the unfinished President’s House — what we now call the White House.

The move represented more than a change of address.

It symbolized the establishment of a permanent national government under the Constitution — a young republic planting itself in a capital designed specifically for the future of the United States.

In 1800, Washington was still muddy, under construction, and far from complete.

But the Founders believed the nation they were building would endure.

Respect is a lot like a smile - it's usually reflected back to you :-)

Respect is a reflection of your character!