US History 1700 to 1799 Chronology

Forty-two families of German Protestant refugees landed in the American colonies. Sponsored by the British Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge (SPCK), the 78 religious pilgrims soon founded the town of Ebenezer, 30 miles from Savannah, Georgia.

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1735

Apr 06

The first Moravians from Europe arrived in America. Invited by colonial governor James Oglethorpe, ten males of the "Unitas Fratrum" landed in Savannah, Georgia after sailing from England in February.

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Aug 18

The Evening Post, of Boston, MA is published for the first time.

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1736

The English Wesley brothers, John (32) and Charles (28) first arrived in America at Savannah, GA. They had been invited by Georgia governor James Oglethorpe as missionaries to the American Indians.

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Battle of Ackia (Louisiana), British & Chickasaw Indians defeat the French.

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1738

Feb 12

First puppet show in America held in New York City-"The Adventures of Harlequin”

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1741

Feb 13

The American Magazine, the first magazine in the U.S., is published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Andrew Bedford. It beat Benjamin Franklin’s General Magazine off the presses by 3 days

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Feb 16

Benjamin Franklin publishes America’s second magazine, The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle.

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1742

Jul 07

A Spanish force invading Georgia runs headlong into the colony's British defenders.

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1743

Feb 03

Philadelphia establishes a "pesthouse" to quarantine immigrants.

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Mar 14

The City of Boston conducted the first town meeting in Faneuil Hall. It became an idea that caught on quickly throughout New England.

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1744

Jun 16

(thru Jul 7th) Treaty at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, between Iroquois nations of Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca, on the one side, and British colonies of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania on the other. George Crogan establishes trading post at Mingo town of Cuyahoga. He soon becomes a political power among the Ohio Indians.

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1745

Mar 09

Bells for first American carillon shipped from England to Boston.

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Jun 17

American colonials capture Louisburg, Cape Breton Is from French.

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Sep 30

Royalist John Campbell, loses his army to Jacobite victory at the "Battle of Prestonpans". George Montagu Dunk, second earl of Halifax, is appointed president of the lords commissioners for trade and plantations (board of trade). Massachusetts governor William Shirley directs campaign that captures Louisbourg, but the fort is returned to the French by the peace treaty.

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1747

Oct 24

Formation of the Ohio Company of Virginia.

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1748

Aug 11

Conrad Weiser journeys to the Ohio country to treat with region’s Indians.

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1749

Jan 11

Ohio Company’s petitions King George for a grant of lands, and proposes to build a fort there.

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Mar 16

King George II of England orders grant to the Ohio Company.

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Frantois Piquet founds La PrTsentation, a Sulpician mission Oswegatchie (Ogdensburg), N.Y.), it draws many Iroquois to the French.

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Jun 15

(thru Nov 9) Captain C Tleron de Blainville leads an expedition to the Ohio country to restore New France’s authority, but fails in efforts. Halifax is established and constructed in Acadia [Nova Scotia] as a counter measure to Fortress Louisbourg.

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General fast because of drought in MA.

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1750

Jan 30

In Colonial America, Rev. Jonathan Mayhew of Boston delivered a sermon entitled, "Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission." The sermon attacked both the divine right of kings and ecclesiastical absolutism.

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1751

Edward Willet of New York City displayed the first trained monkey act in the United States. For the price of one shilling, the audience saw the monkey walk a tightrope, dance and ‘exercise’ a gun.

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1752

May 11

The first US fire insurance policy is issued, in Philadelphia.

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Jun 15

Benjamin Franklin and his son test the relationship between electricity and lightning by flying a kite in a thunder storm in Philadelphia (corner of 8th and Race).

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Jun 21

A party of Chippewas, Potawatomies, and Ottawas, led by Charles Langlade, attack the Indian village of Picawillany, destroy Croghan's trading post, killing one British trader, and taking others prisoner.

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Jul 02

The first Bible in America printed in English was published in Boston.

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1753

Feb 01

French troops dispatched from Canada take the Ohio Valley, and begin construction of three forts.

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1754

Jun 19

Albany Congress held by 7 British colonies & Iroquois indians.

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Jun 26

Newcastle's inner cabinet resolves to defend Britain's northern colonies from French "invasion."

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Jul 28

(and 29th) Captain Stobo smuggles plans of Fort Duquesne to Philadelphia through Delaware chiefs Shingas and Delaware George.

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1755

Mar 12

First steam engine in America installed, to pump water from a mine, in North Arlington, NJ.

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Transylvania Land Co buys Kentucky for $50,000 from a Cherokee chief.

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Jun 16

Boston troops capture French fort at Nova Scotia.

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Jun 16

British capture Fort Beaus‚jour, expel the Acadians.

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Sep 18

Fort Ticonderoga, NY opens.

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1756

Apr 14

Governor Glen of South Carolina protests against 900 Acadia Indians.

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1757

Aug 09

Fort William Henry captured and destroyed by French.

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1758

Aug 29

The New Jersey Legislature establishes the first Indian reservation on a tract of 1,600 acres.

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Nov 25

In the French and Indian War, the British captured Fort Duquesne in present-day Pittsburgh.

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1759

Jan 11

The 1st American life insurance company is incorporated in Philadelphia.

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Jul 26

The French relinquish Fort Ticonderoga in NY to the British under General Jeffrey Amherst.

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1760

Feb 16

Cherokee Indians held hostage at Fort St. George are killed in revenge for Indian attacks on frontier settlements.

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Mar 20

The great fire of Boston destroys 349 buildings.

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Nov 29

Major Roger Rogers takes possession of Detroit on behalf of Britain.

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1761

May 22

The first life insurance policy issued in the United States is issued on this day in Philadelphia by the Corporation for the Relief of Poor and Distressed Presbyterian Ministers and of the Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers.

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1762

Aug 22

Ann Franklin became the first woman to hold the title of newspaper editor. She assumed those duties at The Newport Mercury in Newport, RI.

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Aug 23

Major Henry Gladwin takes command of Detroit.

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1763

May 07

Indian chief Pontiac begins his attack on a British fort in present-day Detroit, Michigan.

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May 09

Pontiac lays siege to Fort Detroit with a force composed of Ottawas, Chippawa, Potawatomi, Huron, Shawnee, and Delaware warriors.

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Jul 10

(day unspecified) On their own initiative, but with sanction from Amherst and Bouquet, the garrison at Fort Pitt start an epidemic among the Indians by infecting besieging chiefs with blankets from the smallpox hospital.

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Indians withdraw from siege of Fort Pitt.

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Aug 05

Colonel Henry Bouquet decisively defeats the Indians at the Battle of Bushy Run in Pennsylvania during Pontiac's rebellion.

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Oct 07

George III signes the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted settlement west of the Appalachians and reserved land for the Indians. Virginians resented limitations on western lands.

Nov 15

Charles Mason & Jeremiah Dixon begin surveying Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania & Maryland.

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Nov 17

Amherst embarks for England, he is succeeded as commander in chief by General Thomas Gage.

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Dec 01

Patrick Henry argues the Parsons' Cause before the Hanover County Court, challenging the Crown's right to nullify colonial laws. This case brought Henry both popular acclaim and political leadership.

1764

Feb 15

St Louis founded as a French trading post by Pierre Laclade Ligue.

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Apr 19

Parliament adopts the Currency Act, preventing the colonies from issuing paper money as legal tender. The measure was prompted chiefly by Virginia's issuance of Ł440,000 to finance the French and Indian War.

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May 24

Boston lawyer James Otis denounces "taxation without representation," calling for the colonies to unite in opposition to Britain's new tax measures.

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1765

Mar 22

The Stamp Act is enacted by Parliament. Stamps are required on newspapers, pamphlets, playing cards, dice, and legal papers in the colonies after November 1. This is the first direct British tax on colonists.

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Mar 24

Britain passes the Quartering Act, requiring the colonies to house 10,000 British troops in public and private buildings.

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Oct 07

Delegates from nine of the American colonies meet in NY to discuss the Stamp Act Crisis and colonial response to it.

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Oct 19

The Stamp Act Congress, meeting in New York, draws up a declaration of rights and liberties.

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1766

Mar 05

Don Antonio De Ulloa of Spain arrives in New Orleans to receive the Louisiana Territory from the French. (XDG, p 4A, 3/5/2001)

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Britain repeals the Stamp Act, which caused so much resentment in the North American colonies, but the news did not reach the colonies for nearly two months.

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The Stamp Act is repealed, but the same day the parliament passes the Declaratory Act asserting its right to bind the colonies by its laws.

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Mar 18

British Parliament reinstitutes the Stamp Act.

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1767

Apr 24

First professional play produced in America; "Prince of Parthia"by Thos. Godfrey opens in Philly.

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May 14

British government disbands Americans import duty on tea.

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Mexican Indians riot as Jesuit priests are ordered home.

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Oct 18

The boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania, the Mason-Dixon line, was agreed upon.

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1768

Feb 11

Samuel Adams letter, circulates around American colonies, opposing Townshend Act taxes.

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Feb 20

First American chartered fire insurance company receives charter (Pennsylvania).

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Oct 01

Two regiments of British soldiers lands in Boston to enforce custom laws.

Oct 14

In Hard Labor, South Carolina, Cherokees and colonial officials sign a boundary treaty.

Oct 28

Germans and Acadians join French Creoles in their armed revolt against the Spanish governor of New Orleans.

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Nov 05

William Johnson, the northern Indian Commissioner, signs a treaty with the Iriquois Indians to acquire much of the land between the Tennessee and Ohio rivers for future settlement.

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1769

Jul 16

Spanish Franciscan missionary Father Junipero Serra founded the San Diego deAlcala mission in CA -- the first permanent Spanish settlement on America's west coast.

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Aug 02

The city of Los Angeles was named on this day. Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish army captain, and Juan Crespi, a Franciscan priest, stopped on their way north from San Diego. They really liked the area and decided to name it Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, which means Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula -- Porciuncula being a chapel in Italy.

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Aug 03

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, CA are first noticed by Europeans.

Nov 07

At the opening of the legislative session in Williamsburg, Governor Botetourt announces that the British ministry would seek repeal of the Townshend Duties, except the tax on tea.

1770

Jun 03

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo founded in Calif.

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Jun 22

A new nonimportation association is signed by burgesses and merchants in Williamsburg.

Oct 18

The Treaty of Lochaber, South Carolina, in which the Cherokees agree to cede more land to European settlers, was signed. When the line was run several months later, it was even farther west--to the Kentucky (then Louisa) River, opening up part of Kentucky to Virginians.

1771

Jul 14

Mission San Antonio de Padua founded in California.

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Sep 08

Mission San Gabriel Archangel forms in California.

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Sep 25

John Murray, the fourth Earl of Dunmore, the new governor of Virginia, arrives in Williamsburg. Previously, he had served one year as governor of New York.

1772

Sep 01

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa forms in California.

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1773

Jan 12

The first public museum in America was established, in Charleston, S.C.

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Feb 26

Construction authorized for Walnut St jail (Philadelphia) (1st solitary).

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Mar 12

Jeanne Baptiste Pointe de Sable found settlement now known as Chicago.

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Jul 20

Scottish settlers arrive at Pictou, Nova Scotia (Canada).

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Sep 01

Phillis Wheatley, a slave from Boston, publishes a collection of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, in London.

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Oct 11

The conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia over land around Pittsburgh is resolved by creating the district of West Augusta with overlapping jurisdiction. (The term "district" was used to get around the order against establishing new counties.)

Oct 14

Britain's East India Company tea ships' cargo is burned at Annapolis, MD.

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1774

Mar 02

310 lamps illuminate streets of Boston, Mass for the first time.

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Mar 28

Britain passes the Coercive Act against rebellious Massachusetts.

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May 20

Britain gives Québec, Labrador & territory north of the Ohio.

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May 23

Chestertown tea party occurs (tea dumped into Chester River).

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Lord Dunmore dissolves the General Assembly after the burgesses' May 24 resolution was printed.

May 28

First Continental Congress convenes (Virginia).

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Jul 12

Citizens of Carlisle, Penn. pass a declaration of independence.

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Oct 14

First Continental Congress is 1st to declare colonial rights (Phila).

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Nov 26

A congress of colonial leaders criticizes British influence in the colonies and affirms their right to "Life, liberty and property."

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1775

Feb 28

Congress outlaws tea drinking in protest against unfair British taxation.

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Mar 06

First Negro Mason in US initiated, Boston.

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The Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, by the terms of which the Cherokees sell the Transylvania Company of North Carolina all land between the Kentucky and Cumberland Rivers (present-day central and western Kentucky and north central Tennessee), is signed.

Lord North extends the New England Restraining Act to South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. The act forbids trade with any country other than Britain and Ireland.

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Jun 07

The United Colonies change their name to the United States.

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Jul 25

Maryland issues currency depicting George III trampling Magna Carta.

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Jul 29

The U.S. Army Chaplaincy was founded, making it the second oldest branch of that service, after the Infantry.

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Nov 07

Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, declares martial law and promises freedom to male slaves who join British army.

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Nov 26

The American Navy began using chaplains within its regular service.

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Nov 28

U.S. Marines appoint first officer Captain Samuel Nicholas hired at $32 per month.

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Dec 03

First official US flag raising (aboard naval vessel Alfred).

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1776

Jan 05

The Assembly of New Hampshire adopts its first state constitution. Ref

Mar 19

The first year "the swallows returned to Capistrano". This is St. Joseph’s Day, the day that the swallows traditionally return to the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California. Every March 19th since 1776, with very few exceptions, the birds come back to usher in spring in this Southern California seaside town.

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Apr 12

Halifax resolution for independence adopted by North Carolina.

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Jun 12

The Virginia Convention, still in session in Williamsburg, adopted the first Declaration of Rights in America. Based on George Mason's (1725-1792) draft, the Virginia Declaration had wide influence, notably on the later federal Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen during the French Revolution. (XDG, p 4A, 6/12/2000)

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Jul 05

The Declaration of Independence is first printed by John Dunlop in Philadelphia.

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Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence to a crowd gathered at Independence Square in Philadelphia.

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Nov 01

The Mission at San Juan Capistrano founded in California.

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Dec 31

Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70˘ a day for carpenters, 42˘ for tailors.

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1777

Jan 12

The Mission Santa Clara de Asis was established. It was one of nine missions founded by Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junipero Serra, between 1769-1784.

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Jan 15

The people of New Connecticut declared their independence. The tiny republic later became the state of Vermont.

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Jan 16

Vermont declares independence from NY.

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Jan 18

San Jose CA is founded.

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Georgia becomes first US state to abolish both entail & primogeniture.

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Apr 14

New York adopts new constitution as an independent state.

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Apr 20

New York adopts new constitution as an independent state.

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Vermont becomes first state abolishing slavery, adopts male sufferage.

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Jul 20

The Cherokees make peace with Virginia and North Carolina, giving up lands east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and north of the Nolichucky River. Some Cherokees rejected this and other treaties, withdrawing to Chickamauga (in what is today Georgia) and continuing to fight for several years.

1778

Jan 20

First American military court martial trial begins, Cambridge MA.

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Articles of Confederation ratified by first state, South Carolina.

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Feb 14

The American ship "Ranger" carried the recently adopted Star and Stripes to a foreign port for the first time as it arrived in France.

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Mar 19

First record of swallows returning to Capistrano.

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Sep 17

First Indian peace treaty signed by Delaware Indians at Fort Pitt.

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Oct 13

First Masonic Grand Lodge organized at Williamsburg, VA.

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1779

Mar 11

US army Corps of Engineers established (1st time).

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1780

Pennsylvania becomes first US state to abolish slavery (for new-borns only).

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Sep 22

Followers of Capt. William Lynch in VA sign first execution pact becoming first lynching mob.

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1781

The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation.

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Bank of North America incorporated in Philadelphia.

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Sep 04

Los Angeles is founded. The Mexican Provincial Governor, Felipe de Neve, founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles, LA for short. It was first an Indian village named Yangma in Bahia de las Fumas by 44 settlers, (Valley of Smokes).

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1782

Feb 21

US congress resolves the establishment of a US mint.

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Mar 08

The Gnadenhutten massacre took place as some 90 Indians were slain by militiamen in Ohio in retaliation for raids carried out by other Indians.

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Washington, North Carolina was incorporated as the first town to be named for -- take a guess -- George Washington. One of these days we’re going to add up all the places, towns and points of interest that are named after the first president of the U.S.

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Jun 20

The Great Seal of the United States was adopted by Congress. William Barton designed the seal which consists of an eagle, an olive branch and 13 arrows -- one for each of the original 13 colonies.

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Sep 16

The Great Seal of the United States was used for 1st time.

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Dec 29

First nautical almanac in US published by Samuel Stearns, Boston.

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1783

Sweden recognizes the independence of the United States.

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Apr 03

Sweden & US sign a treaty of Amity & Commerce.

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May 30

The Pennsylvania Evening Post, first published by Benjamin Towne in Philadelphia, PA this day, was the first daily paper in the US

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Nov 23

Annapolis Maryland, becomes US capital (until June 1784).

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1784

Jan 07

First US seed business established by David Landreth, Philadelphia.

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Feb 22

First US ship to trade with China, "Empress of China", sails from New York.

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Jul 27

Courier De L’Amerique became the first French newspaper to be published in the United States. The paper was printed in Philadelphia, PA for all the many Philadelphians who spoke French.

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Aug 13

The Continental Congress met for the final time in Annapolis, Maryland. It moved a few more times, from Philadelphia, PA to New York City and, finally, to its permanent seat of government in Washington, DC.

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Aug 14

Russian fur trader Grigory Shelikhov founds first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska on Kodiak I.

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Sep 22

Russian trappers established a colony on Kodiak Island, AK.

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Dec 21

John Jay becomes 1st US secretary of state (foreign affairs).

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1785

Jan 20

Samuel Ellis advertises to sell Oyster Island (Ellis Island), no takers.

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Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture organized.

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1786

Jan 16

The Virginia Legislature adopted the Ordinance of Religious Freedom, which guaranteed that no man would be forced to attend or support any church. This mandate later became the model for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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Jan 19

State of Virginia adopts James Madison and Thomas Jefferson's bill for religious freedom.

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Jul 11

Morocco agrees to stop attacking American ships in the Mediterranean for a payment of $10,000.

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Aug 08

The silver dollar and the decimal system of money are adopted by the U.S. Congress.

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Aug 29

(Shays' Rebellion) Rebel mobs, led by Daniel Shays, storm the courthouse in Northampton to prevent the trial and imprisonment of debtors. Ref

Sep 09

George Washington calls for the abolition of slavery.

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Sep 11

The Convention of Annapolis opens with the aim of revising the articles of confederation.

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Sep 14

Annapolis Convention concludes, suggests Philadelphia convention.

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Dec 04

Mission Santa Barbara, Franciscan order, founded in California.

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1787

Jan 25

(Shays' Rebellion) Small farmers in Springfield MA, led by Daniel Shays, revolt against tax laws by storming the federal arsenal. Federal troops break up the protesters of what becomes known as Shay’s Rebellion. Ref

Feb 04

(Shays' Rebellion) General Lincoln arrives in Springfield and quickly chases Shays' army into the neighboring towns. The insurgents were taken completely by surprise in the morning in Petersham. General Lincoln had marched his troops through a snowstorm the previous night. The farmers scattered, and the rebellion was ended. Most of the insurgents took advantage of a general amnesty and surrendered. Shays and a few other leaders escaped for a while. Ref

May 14

Delegates begin gathering in Philadelphia for a convention to draw up the U.S. Constitution.

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May 25

The Constitutional Convention was convened in Philadelphia after enough delegates had shown up for a quorum. George Washington presides.

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May 29

"Virginia Plan" proposed.

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Jun 12

Law passes providing a senator must be at least 30 years old.

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Jun 21

(Shays' Rebellion) Five "traitors" of Shays' Rebellion are marched to the gallows and receive a planned last-minute reprieve. Ref

Jul 13

Northwest Ordinance of 1787-a territory can become 3 to 5 states at 60,000 population.

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Aug 06

The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia began to debate the articles contained in a draft of the United States Constitution.

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Sep 17

The Constitution of the United States of America was signed by delegates from twelve states at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, PA. The U.S. Constitution is the world’s oldest working Constitution.

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Sep 27

Constitution submitted to the states for ratification.

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Sep 28

Congress sends Constitution to state legislatures for their approval.

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Dec 07

(new state) Delaware, the First State, was first to ratify the proposed U.S. Constitution and was the first state admitted to the Union (on this day). Also known as the Diamond State, Delaware is the smallest Southern state and the second smallest of all 50 states. “So what,” you say. “We want to know what the Delaware state bird is!” Ye of little faith. That was coming next. The Delaware state bird is the blue hen chicken. And, in case you wanted to know even more, the capital of Delaware is Dover and the peach blossom is the state flower.

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Dec 12

(new state) PA was ratifed on this day as the second of the United States of America. Also one of the original 13 colonies, PA is geographically located in the keystone position in relation to the other 12 colonies, earning the nickname, the Keystone State. The state capital is Harrisburg, a city almost midway between PA’s two most well-known cites, Pittsburgh in Western PA and Philadelphia in the east. Philadelphia is also where the first Continental Congress met and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Not so famous is the state bird, the ruffed grouse and the state flower, the mountain laurel.

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Dec 18

(new state) New Jersey became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

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1788

Jan 02

(new state) One peach of a state, Georgia, became the 4th state to enter the United States of America. Nicknamed the Peach State for obvious reasons, Georgia is also referred to as the Empire State of the South. First explored by the Spanish, but named after King George II of England, Georgia became the stronghold of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Atlanta, its capital and largest city has been the center of commerce, communication, politics and transportation for the Southeastern region of the U.S. Like the rest of the 50 states, Georgia has a state bird: the brown thrasher; a state flower: for some reason it's not the peach blossom, but the Cherokee rose; a state tree: the live oak; a state song: Georgia on My Mind; and an official state motto: Wisdom, Justice and Moderation.

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Jan 09

(new state) Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the US Constitution.

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Feb 06

(new state) Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the US Constitution.

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First riot in America! Mob in lower Manhattan attack New York Hospital for alleged body snatching.

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Apr 28

(new state) Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the US Constitution.

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May 23

(new state) South Carolina becomes the eighth state to ratify US Constitution.

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Jun 11

First British ship built on Pacific coast begun at Nootka Sound, BC.

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Jun 21

(new state) The colony of New Hampshire became the ninth state to enter the United States of America. It had been a long time coming. For 38 years, the fishing colony, first settled in 1623, and named in 1630 by Captain John Mason after his Hampshire, England home, was a part of the Massachusetts colony. Then, in 1679 it became a separate royal colony. Concord, the capital of the Granite State, was also central to much of the Revolutionary War. The official state bird is the purple finch, and has a matching state flower, the purple lilac.

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(new state) The state of Virginia ratified the US Constitution, becoming the 10th state.

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Jul 26

(new state) New York, the 11th state, entered the United States of America this day. NY City, one of the most famous cities in the world, was once the capital of the Empire State, but that ended in 1796. Albany, once called Fort Orange, has been the capital of the State of NY ever since. The beautiful rose is the official state flower with the colorful bluebird taking the honorable title of NY’s state bird.

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Sep 13

The Constitutional Convention authorizes the first federal election resolving that electors in all the states will be appointed on January 7, 1789; New York City is declared the nation's temporary captital.

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1789

Jan 22

First American novel published in Boston: "The Power of Sympathy" by Philenia.

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Mar 02

Pennsylvania ends prohibition of theatrical performances.

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Mar 04

The Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in NY (9 senators, 13 representatives). (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.)

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Mar 11

Benjamin Banneker with L'Enfant begin to lay out Washington DC.

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Apr 01

The US House of Representatives held its first full meeting, in NY City. Frederick Muhlenberg of PA was elected the first House Speaker.

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Apr 06

The First U.S. Congress begins regular sessions at Federal Hall in New York City.

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First US congressional act becomes law (on administering oaths).

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Jun 08

James Madison first proposes Bill of Rights.

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Jul 04

First US tariff act.

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Jul 22

Thomas Jefferson becomes the first head of the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Jul 27

The Department of Foreign Affairs was established by the U.S. Congress. The agency later was named the Department of State -- or the State Department.

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US Customs begins enforcing Tariff Act.

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Aug 07

Congress establishes the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

Aug 07

The U.S. War Department is established by Congress.

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Sep 02

The United States Treasury Department, the third presidential cabinet department, was organized by an act of Congress.

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Sep 11

Alexander Hamilton is appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury.

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Sep 13

The United States Government took out its first loan. The money was borrowed from the Bank of North America at 6% interest. The national debt has grown a little over the years. Americans now owe about $65,000 each, as their share of the debt.

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Sep 15

Congress declared Great Seal of the US the official seal of US.

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Sep 15

The U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs was renamed the Department of State.

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Sep 24

Congress passes act to create office of Attorney General;E.J. Randolph to get job on 26th.

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Sep 25

The first United States Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. Ten of the amendments became the Bill of Rights.

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Sep 26

Jefferson appointed first Sec of State; John Jay 1st chief justice & Edmund J Randolph 1st Attorney General.

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Sep 29

The US War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.

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Sep 29

First US congress adjourns.

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Oct 03

President Washington proclaims the 1st national Thanksgiving Day on Nov 26.

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Nov 13

Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to a friend in which he said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."

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Nov 20

New Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.

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Nov 21

(new state) The 12th of the 13 original colonies to become the United States of America, did so on this day. North Carolina or the Tar Heel State, boasts the brilliant red cardinal as its state bird, the graceful dogwood as its state flower, and lays claim to being the nation’s largest producer of tobacco and textiles. Raleigh is the state capital.

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1790

Congress authorized the first US Census.

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Mar 26

Congress passes Naturalization Act, requires 2-year residency

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Apr 10

The U.S. patent system is established.

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Apr 30

Colonial troops occupy Bonni's marroon village.

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Territory South of River Ohio created by Congress.

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May 29

(new state) Rhode Island became the 13th original colony to ratify the United States Constitution.

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May 31

First U.S. Copyright law enacted seeking to protect ownership of literary compositions, plays & maps

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Jul 10

House of Representatives approves move of nation's capital from New York to Philadelphia.

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Jul 16

The District of Columbia, or Washington, D.C., was established as the permanent seat of the United States Government.

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Jul 26

US passes Assumption bill making US responsible for state debts.

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Jul 29

The U.S. Patent Office opens.

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Jul 31

The U.S. Patent Office opens.

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The first enumeration by the U.S. Census Bureau is completed. It shows a population of 3,939,326 located in 16 states and the Ohio territory. Virginia is the most populous state with 747,610 inhabitants. The census compilation cost $44,377.

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Aug 04

The first bonds of the U.S. government are authorized.

Aug 09

The Columbia returns to Boston Harbor after a three-year voyage, becoming the first ship to carry the American flag around the world.

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Aug 10

Robert Gray's Columbia, completes first American around world voyage.

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Oct 19

400 troops attack 150 Indians northwest of Ohio-First battle fought by U.S. troops.

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Oct 28

New York gives up claims to Vermont for $30,000.

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Dec 06

Congress meets in Philadelphia, new temporary US capitol.

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Dec 21

Samuel Slater opens the first successful cotton mill in the United States in Pawtucket RI.

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1791

Jan 24

In New York City, George Washington issued the first presidential proclamation. It concerned the surveying of what would become the District of Columbia. (XDG, p. 4A, 1/24/2001)

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President George Washington sign a bill creating the Bank of the United States.

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Mar 03

Congress establishes the U.S. Mint.

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Mar 03

First Internal Revenue Act (taxing distilled spirits & carriages).

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Mar 04

President Washington calls the US Senate into its first special session.

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Mar 04

(new state) Vermont admitted as 14th state (1st addition to the 13 colonies).

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Mar 21

Captain Hopley Yeaton of New Hampshire becomes first commissioned officer in USN.

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Nov 04

General Arthur St. Clair, governor of Northwest Territory, is badly defeated by a large Indian army of Shawnee, Delaware and Iroquois, near Fort Wayne.

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Dec 15

The Bill of Rights was ratified this day in Virginia. The Bill of Rights is comprised of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

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1792

Feb 23

Humane Society of Massachusetts incorporated (erected life-saving stations for distressed mariners).

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US Presidential Succession Act passed.

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Apr 02

Congress passes the Coinage Act creating the U.S. Mint, and authorized construction of a Mint building in the nation's capitol, Philadelphia, and authorizes the minting of the $10 Eagle, $5 half-Eagle & 2.50 quarter-Eagle gold coins as well as the silver dollar, dollar, quarter, dime & half-dime. Ref

Apr 22

President George Washington proclaims American neutrality in the war in Europe.

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May 08

Conscription authorized by act to draft white males 18 to 45 into the militia.

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(new state) Kentucky entered the United States of America as the 15th state. Since its name is an American Indian word for "great meadow", it is fitting that Kentucky’s nickname is the Bluegrass State, and its flower is the goldenrod. The official state bird is the cardinal. The capital of Kentucky is the city of Frankfort.

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Jul 30

Construction started with the laying of the cornerstone in the first building to be used solely as a US Government building. It was the US Mint in Philadelphia.

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Jul 31

Construction started with the laying of the cornerstone in the first building to be used solely as a U.S. Government building. It was the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

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1793

Jan 23

The Humane Society of Philadelphia was incorporated. Its goal is to recover bodies of drowned persons and provide first aid to accident victims. (XDG, p 4A, 1/23/2001)

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The first cabinet meeting is convened at George Washington's home.

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Sep 18

President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol.

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Dec 09

The first daily newspaper in New York City is founded by Noah Webster. The America Minerva was published for the first time

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Dec 14

First state road authorized, Frankfort KY to Cincinnati OH.

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1794

Jan 13

President Washington approves a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union. (The number of stripes was later reduced to 13 again.)

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Feb 11

First session of US Senate open to the public.

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Feb 28

US Senate voids Pennsylvania's election of Abraham Gallatin.

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Mar 27

President Washington and Congress authorize the creation of the US Navy.

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Jun 05

Congress passed the Neutrality Act, which prohibited Americans from enlisting in the service of a foreign power.

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Whiskey Rebellion begins.

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Sep 20

Packet and Daily, the first daily publication in America, appears on the streets.

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Nov 03

Thomas Paine is released from a Parisian jail with help from the American ambassador James Monroe. He was arrested for having offended the Robespierre faction.

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Nov 19

The United States and Britain signed the Jay Treaty, which resolved some issues left over from the Revolutionary War.

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Dec 08

First issue of the Herald of Rutland VT published.

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1795

Jan 31

Wounded by the sharp criticism of his colleagues, Alexander Hamilton resigns his post as the Secretary of the Treasury.

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Feb 07

11th Amendment to US Constitution ratified, affirms power of states.

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May 01

Congress changes the flag to have 15 stars and 15 stripes for the newest states of Vermont and Kentucky. It was this flag that inspired the "Star Spangled Banner".

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Martin Academy in Washington, TN changed its name to Washington College ... the first college to be named after George Washington.

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Aug 03

The U.S government signs treaties with the Native American tribes, giving the U.S. the Ohio Territory.

Sep 05

US-Algiers sign peace treaty.

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Oct 27

Treaty of San Lorenzo (also known as Pinckney's Treaty), between U.S. and Spain, settles boundary with Florida, provides free navigation of Mississippi.

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Nov 28

US pays $800,000 & a frigate as tribute to Algiers & Tunis.

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Dec 19

First state appropriation of money for road building, Kentucky.

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1796

Feb 29

First U.S. extradition treaty with a foreign country-Jay Treaty with Britain proclaimed.

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The first known elephant (like, how would one NOT know it was an elephant?) to arrive in the United States, came to America. The elephant was from Bengal, India and entered the U.S.A. through New York City.

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May 19

The first US game law was approved. The measure called for penalties for folks hunting or destroying game within Indian territory.

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May 19

Game protection law restricts encroachment on Indian hunting grounds.

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(new state) Tennessee joined the United States of America on this day. Long before it officially became the 16th state, TN had already begun to earn its nickname, the Volunteer State, as it sent large numbers of volunteers to fight in the American Revolution. The tradition continued for the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War. The country-music capital of the world, Nashville, is also the governmental capital of TN. The state’s official flower is the iris, its bird, the mockingbird.

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America's first passport issued to Francis Maria Barrere.

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Sep 19

President George Washington's farewell address was published. In it, America's first chief executive advised, "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all."

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Dec 18

The Monitor of Baltimore, Maryland was published as the first Sunday newspaper.

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1797

Jan 06

Albany is designated as the permanent capital of New York State.

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May 10

First Navy ship, the "United States" is launched

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First US senator (William Blount of Tennessee) expelled by impeachment.

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Sep 20

US frigate the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) is launched in Boston.

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Oct 21

The Constitution (nicknamed "Old Ironsides"), a forty-four-gun U.S. Navy frigate built to fight Barbary pirates off the coast of Tripoli, is launched in Boston Harbor. Ref

1798

Jan 08

11th Amendment ratified, judicial powers construed.

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Jan 30

The first brawl in the U.S. House of Representatives is witnessed by legislators. A brawl broke out in the House of Representatives in Philadelphia, as Matthew Lyon of Vermont spat in the face of Roger Griswold of Connecticut.

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Mar 09

Dr George Balfour becomes first naval surgeon in the US navy.

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Apr 07

The territory of Mississippi is organized.

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May 18

The first Secretary of the US Navy was appointed. He was Benjamin Stoddert.

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Jun 13

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia founded in CA.

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US passes Alien Act allowing president to deport dangerous aliens.

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Jul 06

US law makes aliens "liable to be apprehended, restrained,... & removed as alien enemies".

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Jul 11

Congress passes an act calling for the establishment of a permanent U.S. Marine Corps.

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Jul 12

William Ward Burrows of South Carolina is named the first major of the modern U.S. Marines.

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Jul 14

First direct federal tax on the states-on dwellings, land & slaves.

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Jul 14

Congress passed the Sedition Act, making it a federal crime to publish false, scandalous or malicious writing about the U.S. government.

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Jul 16

US Public Health Service established & US Marine Hospital authorized.

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Eleventh Amendment, lawsuits against states, proclaimed.

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Nov 04

Congress agrees to pay a yearly tribute to Tripoli, considering it the only way to protect U.S. shipping.

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Nov 16

Kentucky becomes 1st state to nullify an act of Congress.

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Dec 17

First impeachment trial against a US senator (William Blount, Tennessee) begins.

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1799

Jan 14

Eli Whitney receives government contract for 10,000 muskets.

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Feb 09

The USS Constellation captures the French frigate Insurgente off the West Indies.

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Feb 13

First US law regulating insurance passed, by Massachusetts.

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Feb 15

Printed ballots were authorized for use in elections in the State of Pennsylvania. Originally these ballots, which are still used in many smaller municipalities across the county, were called ‘vest-pocket tickets’. Why? Because the ballot ticket slid into a heavy-paper pocket which fit nicely in a vest pocket.

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First federal forestry legislation authorizes purchase of timber land.

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