The first joint-stock company formed for the manufacture of cotton was the “United Company of Philadelphia for Promoting American Manufactures.” The first general meeting was held February 22, 1775, and Dr. Benjamin Rush was elected president. This is believed to be the first joint-stock company for any kind of manufactures in this country.
The first piano made in the United States was in 1776, by John Behrent, Jr., joiner, on Third Street below Brown.
The first United States flag is believed to have been made in Philadelphia in 1777.
In 1780 was the first abolition act of America providing slavery be abolished in Pennsylvania.
July 17, 1780, the “Pennsylvania Bank” opened for business. This was the first bank in the United States, and existed until 1784. “The President, Directors, and Company of the Bank of North America” was chartered by the Continental Congress, December 31, 1781. This bank is still in existence and is the only bank in the United States operating under the National Banking Act which is not required to carry the word “National” in its official title.
The first Bible in English produced by an American press was the work of Robert Aitken, the Philadelphia printer, in 1782. It was issued in two volumes. On the back of the title page of the first volume of the copy in the British Museum is this note, in the handwriting of Robert Aitken: “The first copy of the first edition of the Bible ever printed in America in the English language, is presented to Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., by the Editor.”
The “Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture,” formed in 1785 and incorporated in February, 1809, was the first agricultural organization in this country. Its membership was limited to farmers only.
The first General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States was held in Christ Church, Philadelphia, September 27 to October 7, 1785. There were present delegates from seven states, and it was at this convention that the Church was organized in America, and the changes made in the Prayer Book necessary for its use in the new nation. Rev. William White, D.D., was chosen president of the convention.
The first free dispensary in the United States devoted to the relief of the sick and suffering was the Philadelphia Dispensary, founded January, 1786. It was opened in Strawberry Alley, April 12, 1786. It is still in existence, and is located at 127 South Fifth Street.
First steamboat in the world was built by John Fitch, a Philadelphian. The boat was successfully operated on the Delaware River, July 26, 1786. Another boat, 80 feet long, was built, and on October 12, 1788, successfully made the trip from Philadelphia to Burlington, carrying thirty passengers.