1790

The first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The Coast Guard had its beginnings as President George Washington signed a measure authorizing a group of revenue cutters to enforce tariff and trade laws

The first U.S. census was completed, showing a population of nearly 4 million people in 13 states.

The District of Columbia was established as the seat of the United States government.

Rhode Island became the 13th state in the United States, the last of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution.

The U.S. patent system was formed.