Samuel Hopkins (1743-1818)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The holder of the first U.S. patent, signed by George Washington, lived here. On July 31, 1790, Hopkins received a patent for an improvement in making potash, a major industrial chemical. In succeeding centuries, the U.S. Government issued millions of patents.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Samuel Hopkins, who lived here, holds a singular place in American history: on July 31, 1790, he received the very first patent issued under the new United States Constitution, signed by President George Washington himself. The patent covered an improved method of making potash, a caustic potassium compound essential to soap, glass, and gunpowder and one of early America's leading exports. From that first grant would flow millions of American patents, the engine of a nation built on invention.
Why it matters
This marks the birth of the U.S. patent system, the constitutional promise to protect invention that helped make America an industrial powerhouse.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Illadelph Glass Gallerynearby · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallerynearby · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Artnearby · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.1 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Paradigm Gallery + Studio0.2 mi away · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museum0.2 mi away · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Elfreth's Alleynearby
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.3 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.3 mi away
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.3 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Carpenters' Hall0.4 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- 3J's Cafe0.2 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.2 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room0.2 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.2 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Places to stay
- The Philadelphia House0.1 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.1 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.1 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Samuel Hopkins
- · George Washington
Related events
- · First U.S. patent (1790)
Themes & tags
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