Baltimore, Maryland Firsts: 1772 to 1810

1772: First umbrella used in the United States manufactured in India.

1774: First Post Office system in the U.S. inaugurated by William Goddard.

1778: First Independent Corps in the Revolutionary army organized by Count Pulaski.

1784: First U.S. balloon ascension in this country by Edward Warren in vicinity of the area now occupied by the Washington Monument.

1784: First Methodist Church in America established Lovely Lane Meeting House, which is located at St. Paul and 22nd Streets, and is now called Lovely Lane Methodist Church.

1784: First Methodist Bishop in this country: Rev. Francis Asury.

1789: First church conference of United Brethren in the U.S. at Otterbein Church, Conway and Sharp Streets.

1789: First Roman Catholic Bishop in the U.S.: Father J. Carroll.

1791: First Roman Catholic seminary in the U.S.: St. Mary's.

1792: First U.S. Monument to Columbus. Presently located on Harford Road between Walther Boulevard and Argonne Drive in Herring Run Park.

1797: First station using flag semaphore in this country: Captain David Porter, Sr.

1800: First investment banking house in America founded by Alexander Brown.

1804: First stationer in the U.S.: Lucas Brothers.

1808: First U.S. Army horse artillery in the U.S. formed at Fort McHenry.

Address: Baltimore Convention and Visitors Association, 100 Light Street, 12th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202;
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