January 4
January 4
Jacob Grimm is born
On this day, the older of the two Grimm brothers, Jacob, is born in Hanau, Germany. His brother Wilhelm is born the following year. As young men, the two brothers…
A Year In History: 1785
This Year in History:
1785
Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
January 7
January 7
Two explorers cross the English Channel in a balloon
Frenchman Jean‑Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries travel from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in a gas balloon, becoming the first to cross the English Channel by air. The two…
January 27
January 27
Georgia incorporates the first state university
On January 27, 1785, the Georgia General Assembly incorporates the University of Georgia, the first state‑funded institution of higher learning in the new republic. The previous year, the assembly had…
May 23
May 23
Benjamin Franklin reveals his design for bifocal glasses
In a letter dated May 23, 1785, Benjamin Franklin reveals his design for what would later be called bifocal glasses. The Pennsylvania inventor, printer, author, diplomat and American Founding Father…
July 6
July 6
Continental Congress sets the dollar as the official U.S. currency
On July 6, 1785, the Continental Congress establishes the dollar as the official currency of the newly established United States, paving the way for a national monetary system. The fledgling…
August 17
August 17
Connecticut Patriot Jonathan Trumbull dies
On this day in 1785, Jonathan Trumbull, governor of both the colony and state of Connecticut, dies in Lebanon, Connecticut, where he is buried. Trumbull was born in 1710 in…
