A Google A Day

History

History

How long would it take �to walk to all the cities �that have served as capitals �of the U.S. government

since the signing �of the Constitution?

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Things to think about as you get started

1

What year was the constitution signed?

Find all the cities that have been capitals �of the United States since that year.

2

What tool could you use to find out how long �it takes to walk between them?

3

How to find the answer

Answer �2 days and 21 hours. ��Search �Search [How many cities have been �capital of United States]. Find there have been three: New York City, Philadelphia �and Washington, D.C. Use Google Maps directions function plus add location. �Find it would take 2 days and 21 hours �to walk the 226 miles from New York �to Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Background and further discussion

During the period after the Declaration of Independence, a number �of cities served as the capital. Once of the difficult early decisions �of the new government was the permanent location of the capitol. �The District of Columbia was a new territory carved out from Virginia �and Maryland and before its completion, two other cities served as capitol--New York and Philadelphia.