Lancaster, Pennsylvania, served as US capital for one day

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, served as the de facto capital of the United States for less than 24 hours during the American Revolution. On September 27, 1777, members of the Continental Congress reconvened in the town after fleeing Philadelphia following the British victory at the Battle of Brandywine.

During this brief period, delegates assessed the war effort and discussed ways to support George Washington’s army before moving further west to York for additional protection. While the city's time as the national capital was short, local historian Thomas Englert notes that Lancaster has played significant roles in various historical turning points, including the Civil War and the abolitionist movement.

Today, the city of approximately 58,000 people maintains its historical significance through museums and walking tours while evolving into a cosmopolitan center with a growing food and arts scene.