Since 1935, the Supreme Court Building has been home to the nation’s highest Court, but did you know that the Supreme Court hasn’t always been located in Washington, D.C.? By law, the Supreme Court must meet in the nation’s capital. Learn where the capital was previously located and where the Supreme Court met prior to moving to Washington, D.C.

Click on the question marks below to reveal the two cities that served as the nation’s capital before Washington, D.C.

For more information about the building history and former meeting sites of the Court, see Building History.

View a slideshow of the meeting sites of the Supreme Court.

1 / 6

The Exchange Building

New York City, New York (1790)
The Supreme Court held its first session on February 2, 1790, in a building known as The Exchange.