New York City was indeed the first capital of the United States under the Constitution, serving in this role from 1789 to 1790. However, it is not the current capital due to a combination of political, geographical, and strategic reasons.
After the Revolutionary War, there was a strong desire among lawmakers to establish a more central location for the federal government, one that would symbolize unity and accessibility. In 1790, the Compromise of 1790 took place, where southern states agreed to support the federal assumption of state debts in exchange for relocating the capital to a more southern location. This led to the selection of Washington, D.C. as the new capital, with its location on the Potomac River chosen for its strategic position between the northern and southern states.
Washington, D.C. was designed to be a neutral ground, thereby reducing the influence of any single state over the federal government. The intentions were to create an environment that fostered cooperation and national identity rather than any regional dominance. This decision has shaped the political landscape of the United States and is a fundamental aspect of its governance.