Every U.S. state has a capital city, but the choices behind them are full of surprises. Here are ten fun facts about America’s state capitals.

1. The biggest city is usually not the capital

In most states, the capital is not the largest city. New York’s capital is Albany, not New York City; California’s is Sacramento, not Los Angeles.

2. Phoenix is the most populous state capital

Arizona’s capital is the largest of all the state capitals by population.

3. Montpelier is the smallest

Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, is the least populous state capital, with only a few thousand residents.

4. Many capitals were chosen as compromises

Capitals were often placed in central locations to be fair to different regions, which is why so many are not the biggest cities.

5. Some capitals were moved

Several states relocated their capitals over time before settling on the current city.

6. Capital domes were often modeled on the U.S. Capitol

Many state capitol buildings feature domes inspired by the national Capitol in Washington, D.C.

7. Honolulu is the only capital with a royal palace

Hawaii’s capital is home to Iolani Palace, the only former royal residence in the United States.

8. Some capitals share a name with a person

Capitals like Jackson, Madison, Lincoln and Jefferson City honor notable figures in American history.

9. The geographic center can be far from the capital

Choosing a central capital did not always mean the exact center; geography and politics both played a role.

10. Washington, D.C., is not in any state

The national capital sits in a federal district, deliberately not part of any state.

From tiny Montpelier to sprawling Phoenix, the state capitals reflect the compromises, history and character of the states they serve.