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Theater Production Outlawed in Massachusetts
In 1750, most theatrical performances were banned in Massachusetts. This was banned because many in Massachusetts believed that acting was a sin. There were exceptions to this law, however. -
Ben Franklin's Kite Experiment
In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment. For this experiment, he put a key onto a kite and flew it into a storm. This is how electricity was mainly discovered. Without this moment, it could have been a while before humanity learned how to harness electricity, therefore we wouldn't have all of the technology that we have today. -
Invention of the Lightning Rod
In 1752, Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod. The lightning rod has protected millions of houses from fires due to lightning strikes. This simple structure extends from the top of a house to far under it. It would attract lightning to it instead of the house, and bring the strike underground. -
First Song Written by Someone Born in the Colonies
In 1759, the first song was written by a person BORN in the colonies. This song was called "My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free" and written by Francis Hopkinson. Hopkinson later signed the Declaration of Independence. -
Plays Prohibited in Pennsylvania
Nine years after the first prohibition, Pennsylvania was the second state to outlaw theatrical performances. Again, people viewed acting as a sin in the north; people were very religious. Acting was punishable by a fine of up to £500. -
Rhode Island Bans Theater
In 1761, Rhode Island was the last state to ban plays. This, of course, is another state in the north that believed acting was a sin. After some time, the people only saw these laws as a public nuisance, and they eventually got repealed. -
First American Propaganda Song
In 1768, the first American propaganda song, "The Liberty Song", was written. Its lyrics were written by John Dickinson. It was set to the tune of an English song called "Heart of Oak". -
Death of General Wolfe Painted
In 1770, Benjamin West painted an oil painting called "Death of General Wolfe". This painting depicts a death scene from the Seven Years War of British General James Wolfe. West was a local painter, born in Springfield, PA and moved to Newtown Square, PA. -
First Piano in America
In 1775, the first piano in America was made by John Behrent. Previously, classical music was played by an instrument called the harpsichord. The harpsichord resembled a piano, but its volume could not be controlled. -
Submarine was Invented
In 1776, the submarine was invented by David Bushnell. This model was known as the Turtle. It was called the turtle because its appearance in water resembled a turtle. -
First Song Written to the Tune of "Yankee Doodle"
In 1776, "Father and I Went Down to Camp" was the first song written to the tune of what was later known as "Yankee Doodle". The words were most likely written by Dr. Richard Schukburgh, but the composer of the tune is unknown. This tune is one of the most well-known patriotic tunes in America. -
"Let Tyrants Shake Their Iron Rod"
In 1778, Chester was the first Native American to write a patriotic war song. This song is called "Let Tyrants Shake Their Iron Rod". We learned about this song in class, and did a small project on it. -
"The Old Plantation" Painted
"The Old Plantation" was most likely painted by John Rose, but nonody knows for sure. This painting is mean to depict life on a plantation for slaves. Many believe that the painter had some close interaction with slaves, but the painter probably only owned slaves. -
First Patent Issued
In 1790, the first U.S patent was issued to William Pollard. Pollard invented a machine that spins cotton. A patent is essentially a copyright law for inventions. -
First Orchestral Score in the United States
In 1791, the first score for an orchestra in the United States was composed by Hans Gram. This score was called "The Death Song of an Indian Chief". The score was written for a symphony orchestra and a choir. -
Cotton Gin Invention
In 1794, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. This machine filtered and combed seeds out of cotton, eliminating the need for humans to do this very difficult task. Unfortunately, this job was mostly given to slaves. -
George Washington (Painting)
In 1796, Gilbert Stuart painted "George Washington". This painting is known to be the main inspiration for the painting of George Washington on the one dollar bill. Stuart chose not to finish his painting, but to make a lot of copies. -
Steam-Powered Pumping Station
In 1801, the steam-powered pumping station was invented. “Fairmount Water Works" harnesses steam power to provide water for the city of Philadelphia. This was invented by Benjamin Latrobe. -
Spray Gun Invented
In 1803, Dr. Allen DeVilbiss of Toledo, Ohio, invented this spray gun to better apply medications. Although mainly used for medicine, it has also been used for industrial purposes. Today, it is hardly ever used for medical purposes, and only for industry. -
Amphibious Vehicle Invented
In 1805, Oliver Evans invented the first amphibious vehicle. Amphibious vehicles today are cars that can become boats when in water. Back then, they weren't very different. The first amphibious vehicle had wooden wheels for the land and a paddle wheel for the water. This invention must have been incredible since cars didn't become common for another century or so. -
First Successful Steamboat Invented
In 1807, the first successful steamboat was created by Robert Fulton. However, John Fitch invented the first steamboat ever. These boats were expensive to build and operate, though. -
The Star-Spangled Banner
In 1814, our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", was written by Scott Francis Key. The original name for this song was "Defense of Fort McHenry". The Great Garrison Flag was the flag that was known as the "Star-Spangled Banner" that inspired the song. It was the flag that waved over Fort McHenry. -
Profile Lathe
In 1818, the profile lathe was created by Thomas Blanchard of Middlebury, Connecticut. It's a woodworking lathe that does work that 13 men together can do. Wood became cheaper after this. -
Peaceable Kingdom
"Peaceable Kingdom" was painted by Edward Hicks in 1825. This painting is very well-known, especially in our school. Edward Hicks was a Quaker preacher. He believed that America was the place where all people could coexist, much like all of the animals in the painting. Notice the treaty being signed in the background. -
"The Minstrel's Return From the War"
In 1827, the first "pop hit" was called "The Minstrel's Return From the War". John Hill Hewitt wrote this. Hewitt was known as the "Father of the American Ballad". -
Electric Motor Invented
In 1830, the electric motor was invented by Joseph Henry. This motor was the first motor to use an electricity. At the time, there wasn't very much use for an electric motor. However, as time went on, it became more and more of a necessity. -
McCormick Reaper
The McCormick Reaper was invented in 1831. It cut grain much faster than a man with a scythe. Business was slow at first, but sped up when McCormick came to Chicago. -
"America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)"
In 1831, "America", also known as "My Country 'Tis of Thee", was sung at a Boston church. The words were written by Samuel Francis Smith. The song was sung to the tune of "God Save the King". Ironically, this is the British National Anthem. -
Sewing Machine Invented
In 1833, the first sewing machine was created by Walter Hunt. This sewing machine used a lockstitch, but failed to get a patent. He did get public credit for his invention, though. Later, Hunt got patents for improvements on his sewing machine. -
Threshing Machine Invented
In 1834, John A. and Hiram Abial Pitts invented a threshing machine. This machine that separates grain from chaff. Originally, this was a very slow process, but the threshing machine sped it up. -
Amazing Grace
In 1835, "Amazing Grace" was published to the tune of "New Britain" in The Southern Harmony. This song was written by a former slave trader John Newton, even though it's so closely associated with the African-American community. Newton gave up owning slaves before writing this hymn. -
Revolver Pistol Invented
In 1836, Samuel Colt invented the revolver pistol. The revolver pistol was the first gun to be able to be fired more than once without being reloaded. The U.S. Government demanded these pistols for the upcoming Mexican War. -
View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts
"View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts" was painted by Thomas Cole in 1836. This is one of the most popular landscape paintings of this time period. If read from right to left, it has a creepy, dark mood. However, if read from left to right, it's optimistic. -
Invention of Power Tools
In 1837, Thomas Davenport of Brandon, Vermont, created the first power tools. He was among the first to find a good way to use an electric motor. Back then, the electric motor didn't have many uses (see "Electric Motor Invention"), but this invention give it one of its first practical uses. -
America's First Orchestra
In 1842, the oldest orchestra in America was founded: The New York Philharmonic. The New York Philharmonic has a very rich history. It—then and now—plays a large role in the culture of New York City and the United States. -
The Telegraph was Invented
In 1844, the telegraph was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse. Notice that his last name is Morse, after which Morse Code is named. Morse sent a message to Washington, D.C. from Baltimore, saying "What hath God wrought?" This marked the beginning of a new communication era. -
First American Opera
In 1845, the first American opera was called Leonora, by William Henry Fry. It was first played at Philadelphia's Chestnut Street Theater. This opera tried to hide the fact that it was American, whether it knew it or not. -
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Theaters Improve Aesthetically
In the 1850's, theaters began to improve how they looked and functioned. Previously, most stages were candlelit. But gaslight and limelight became more common in the 1850's.
