Although Montgomery enthusiastically welcomed the Confederate government, the city was ill-suited to be the Capitol of a large national government. It was a center of commerce and trade, but was in reality a small city. With the government came many politicians and others, as well as their families. Many of the politicians had been in Washington, and tried to recreate the atmosphere of the U. S. Capitol. but Montgomery was not equipped for the large population influx ot the high society life. Soon afdter the establishment of the Confederate government, discussion was begun about moving to another city. Alabama legislators even proposed creating an entire government complex in Alabama, similar to what had been done in the creation of Washington, D. C. After offers from a number of Southern cities, Richmond was selected because of being one of the wealthiest and most influential of Southern cities. Virginia also had many things to offer, such as it's agriculture, manufacturing, and proximity to Washington, D. C., where many expected the war to center on. In other words, Richmond was closer to where most considered the action would take place, allowing Davis to better control military operations.