How do they choose what the capital of a state is going to be?

Usually a state’s capital is based on a number of factors, including centricity within the state, importances as a business/trade center within a state, or overall suitability to serve as the seat of government.

The state I live in, Michigan, is an interesting example case of how state capitals are chosen:

Currently our capital is Lansing (hope you already knew this), but as late as 1847 Detroit was the capital of Michigan – after all, it was the hub of trade and business, had the considerably largest population in the state, and had easy access to Great Lakes ports and connected directly to Canada.

But….Detroit was a problem: It was too powerful, not at all centrally located in the state, and it was vlunerable to British attack and capture (Detroit had been captured by the British from 1812–1813).

So State powers that be held a conference to figure out another city to name as capital. Cities such as Ann Arbor, Jackson, and others vied for the title. But since none could agree, out of frustration the State picked this little po-bunk town of nothingness named Lansing. It was (relatively) centrally located in the state, far from danger, and seemed politically neutral.

And that was how a capital was born.

It seems they often find a sleepy backwater town, and make it a capitol.

Now why was Blondesjon’s modded? ^^

By which letter is first in the state’s name.

A capital is the area of a country, province, region, or state, regarded as enjoying primary status; it is almost always the city which physically encompasses the offices and meeting places of the seat of government and fixed by law.

Historically, the major economic center of a state or region often becomes the focal point of political power, and becomes a capital through conquest or amalgamation.

Capitals are sometimes sited to discourage further growth in an existing major city.

Many present-day capital cities, such as New Delhi, Abuja, Ankara, Brasília, Canberra, Astana, Islamabad, Ottawa and Washington, D.C. are planned cities, purposefully located away from established population centres for various reasons, and have become gradually established as new business or commercial centres.

[Mod says] Blondesjon’s quip was removed because of our updated guidelines, which state: If you want to make a joke in an answer, wait until at least one helpful response has been given.

Alright. Good to know. It did make me laugh though… Not that that means anything

im not sure…
but it should be the funniest named city!

like the ones i want to roadtrip to!

Well Thanks for the real answer!
But I must say I LOVE FullofUselessInfo’s answer, I completely agree!