This Day In Founders History – 31 July

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This Day In Founders History – July 31

On this day in 1790, the U.S. Patent Office issued the first patent to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash and pearl ashes, used in fertilizer.

In 1792 on this day, the cornerstone was laid for the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, PA, making it the first building to be used only as a U.S. government building.

July 31, 1777, Marquis de Lafayette was commissioned as a major general in the Continental Army.

On July 31, 1775, the Continental Congress rejected the Conciliatory Resolution of British parliament.

And one notable birthday on this day in history in 1803, that of John Ericsson. Ericsson was a Swedish-American inventor and engineer. His inventions included the twin screw propeller for ships and the USS Monitor, an ironclad armored ship.