Capitols and States

Here’s a list of state capitals in the United States along with the states they are in, along with some interesting fun facts about each capital:

1. Montgomery – Alabama

   • Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
   • It’s known for its rich history in the civil rights movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

2. Juneau – Alaska

   • Juneau is the only U.S. state capital that is not accessible by road, only by boat or plane.
   • It is located in the largest capital city (by area) in the United States.

3. Phoenix – Arizona

   • Phoenix is the fifth most populous city in the United States.
   • It experiences more sunshine annually than any other major U.S. city.

4. Little Rock – Arkansas

   • Little Rock is home to Central High School, known for the Little Rock Nine and its significance in the civil rights movement.
   • The city’s name comes from a small rock formation along the Arkansas River.

5. Sacramento – California

   • Sacramento became the state capital in 1854, replacing San Jose.
   • The city is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers.

6. Denver – Colorado

   • Denver is one of the few capital cities not located on a navigable river.
   • It is known as the “Mile High City” due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level.

7. Hartford – Connecticut

   • Hartford is known as the “Insurance Capital of the World” due to its historical ties to the insurance industry.
   • It’s home to Mark Twain’s house, where the author wrote many of his famous works.

8. Dover – Delaware

   • Dover is the second-largest city in Delaware and is known for its historic sites.
   • The city was home to the state’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

9. Tallahassee – Florida

   • Tallahassee is the only state capital located in the eastern U.S. that is not located on a navigable river.
   • It is home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

10. Atlanta – Georgia

    • Atlanta played a significant role in the Civil War and the civil rights movement.
    • The city is a major transportation hub and is home to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

11. Honolulu – Hawaii

    • Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city.
    • It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and historical landmarks like Pearl Harbor.

12. Boise – Idaho

    • Boise is situated along the Boise River and is surrounded by mountains.
    • It’s known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and rafting.

13. Springfield – Illinois

    • Springfield is where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked as a lawyer before becoming President.
    • The city is home to many Lincoln historic sites, including his former home and tomb.

14. Indianapolis – Indiana

    • Indianapolis is known for hosting major sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 and the NCAA Final Four.
    • The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and galleries.

15. Des Moines – Iowa

    • Des Moines is located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
    • It’s known for its diverse economy, including finance, insurance, manufacturing, and agriculture.

16. Topeka – Kansas

    • Topeka is the site of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools.
    • The city’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “to dig good potatoes.”

17. Frankfort – Kentucky

    • Frankfort is the smallest state capital in terms of population in the continental United States.
    • It’s known for its bourbon distilleries and historic sites related to the Civil War and early American history.

18. Baton Rouge – Louisiana

    • Baton Rouge is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River.
    • The city’s name means “red stick” in French, named after a red cypress pole that marked the boundary between Native American tribal lands.

19. Augusta – Maine

    • Augusta is the third-smallest capital city by population in the United States.
    • It’s known for its historic architecture and scenic location along the Kennebec River.

20. Annapolis – Maryland

    • Annapolis is known as the “Sailing Capital of the United States” and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy.
    • The city’s historic district features colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets.

21. Boston – Massachusetts

    • Boston played a key role in the American Revolution and is home to many historic landmarks.
    • It’s known for its prestigious universities, including Harvard and MIT.

22. Lansing – Michigan

    • Lansing is the only U.S. state capital that is not also a county seat.
    • The city is located in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

23. Saint Paul – Minnesota

    • Saint Paul is known for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene.
    • It forms the “Twin Cities” metropolitan area with neighboring Minneapolis.

24. Jackson – Mississippi

    • Jackson is named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
    • The city played a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement.

25. Jefferson City – Missouri

    • Jefferson City is located on the Missouri River and is known for its historic state capitol building.
    • The city’s name honors President Thomas Jefferson.

26. Helena – Montana

    • Helena was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush.
    • It’s one of the least populous state capitals in the United States.

27. Lincoln – Nebraska

    • Lincoln was named after President Abraham Lincoln and became the state capital in 1867.
    • The city is home to the University of Nebraska and is known for its friendly Midwestern culture.

28. Carson City – Nevada

    • Carson City is one of the smallest state capitals in terms of population.
    • It’s located near Lake Tahoe and is known for its outdoor recreational activities.

29. Concord – New Hampshire

    • Concord played a significant role in the American Revolution and is home to the New Hampshire State House.
    • The city’s name means “harmony” or “peace.”

30. Trenton – New Jersey

    • Trenton was briefly the capital of the United States in 1784-1785.
    • The city is located on the Delaware River and played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.

31. Santa Fe – New Mexico

    • Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States, founded in 1610.
    • It’s known for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant arts scene.

32. Albany – New York

    • Albany is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original 13 colonies.
    • It’s located on the west bank of the Hudson River and is the state’s political and cultural center.

33. Raleigh – North Carolina

    • Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, known for its high-tech industries and research institutions.
    • The city was planned and built specifically to serve as the state capital.

34. Bismarck – North Dakota

    • Bismarck is named after German chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
    • It’s the second most populous city in North Dakota.

35. Columbus – Ohio

    • Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and is known for its diverse economy and cultural attractions.
    • The city is home to The Ohio State University.

36. Oklahoma City – Oklahoma

    • Oklahoma City is the largest city in the state and is known for its cowboy culture and oil industry.
    • It was settled during the Land Run of 1889.

37. Salem – Oregon

    • Salem is located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, known for its agriculture and wine production.
    • The city’s name is derived from the Hebrew word for “peace.”

38. Harrisburg – Pennsylvania

    • Harrisburg played a key role in the American Civil War and is home to the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
    • The city is situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River.

39. Providence – Rhode Island

    • Providence is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1636 by Roger Williams.
    • It’s known for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene.

40. Columbia – South Carolina

    • Columbia is named after Christopher Columbus and is located at the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers.
    • The city is home to the University of South Carolina.

41. Pierre – South Dakota

    • Pierre is the second smallest state capital by population in the United States.
    • It’s located on the eastern bank of the Missouri River.

42. Nashville – Tennessee

    • Nashville is known as the “Music City” and is the country music capital of the world.
    • The city is home to the Grand Ole Opry and numerous recording studios.

43. Austin – Texas

    • Austin is the capital of Texas and is known for its vibrant music, arts, and technology scenes.
    • It’s home to the University of Texas and hosts the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.

44. Salt Lake City – Utah

    • Salt Lake City is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).
    • The city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

45. Montpelier – Vermont

    • Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States by population.
    • It’s known for its historic architecture and outdoor recreational opportunities.

46. Richmond – Virginia

    • Richmond played a significant role in American history, including being the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
    • The city is home to numerous historic sites and museums.

47. Olympia – Washington

    • Olympia is located at the southern tip of Puget Sound.
    • It’s known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

48. Charleston – West Virginia

    • Charleston is the largest city and capital of West Virginia.
    • It’s known for its Appalachian culture and outdoor activities like whitewater rafting.

49. Madison – Wisconsin

    • Madison is situated between two scenic lakes, Mendota and Monona.
    • It’s known for its progressive politics and is home to the University of Wisconsin.

50. Cheyenne – Wyoming

    • Cheyenne is the capital and largest city in Wyoming.
    • It’s known for its western heritage and is home to Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.