Week of Events
On this day in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins
On this day in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for an apparatus used to make pearlash and potash (types of ash used for soap, leavening, fertilizer, and industry). The patent was signed by both President George Washington and future president Thomas Jefferson. The U.S. Patent Office had been created earlier […]
On this day in 1819, American novelist Herman Melville was born in New York, New York
On this day in 1819, American novelist Herman Melville was born in New York, New York. He’s best-known for his feat of American literature, Moby-Dick. Melville had a colorful life. As a child, he experienced both lavish wealth and money troubles – though part of a prominent family, his merchant father went into bankruptcy, dying […]
On this day – Colorado became our 38th State
On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted to the Union as our 38th state. The date is reflected in its nickname, “The Centennial State,” which refers to the 100th anniversary of American independence. With a beautiful landscape dominated by the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is home to 75% (!) of all U.S. land 10,000+ feet above […]
On this day in 1790, the first United States Census began
On this day in 1790, the first United States Census began, fulfilling the Constitution’s requirement of a population count. The census was (and still is) important in determining representation. The first census asked only six questions and didn't record any names aside from the head of household. Did you know? In every census from 1790-to […]
On this day – Declaration of Independence is signed
On August 2, 1776, members of the Second Continental Congress began signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though the document had been approved earlier (on July 4th as we all know), only president of Congress John Hancock’s name was printed on copies distributed that month. Did you know? The delegates were not ecstatic […]
On this day in 1901, musician Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana
On this day in 1901, musician Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. A stupendous trumpeter and vocalist, he is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music. 🎺🎶🎷🎶🎺 Born in one of the poorest neighborhoods of New Orleans to a single mother, Armstrong’s beginnings were not privileged. As […]
On this day in 1735, newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel
On this day in 1735, newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel for publishing critical pieces on the royal governor of New York. The ruling laid the groundwork for freedom of the press in America. 🇺🇸 🗞 🔏 🗞 🇺🇸 At the time, under English common law, seditious libel was defined as […]
On this day – 1st Lady Edith Roosevelt was born
On August 6, 1861, First Lady Edith Roosevelt was born in Norwich, Connecticut. Wife to the inimitable Theodore Roosevelt, Edith’s marriage was preceded by a long friendship with Theodore and his family that dated back to infancy. 👶🧒 With her husband often away, Roosevelt proved strong and capable, often running a household of six children […]
On this day in 1755, American patriot and spy Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut
On this day in 1755, American patriot and spy Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut. He is famous for being executed by the British while on a spy mission during the Revolutionary War, uttering the last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” There […]