Historedia
Person

David Rittenhouse

Events
2
Episodes
6
Years
1789–1793

Every event in Historedia whose sources name David Rittenhouse, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Incorporation of the Bank of the United States

    1789–1791

    Role: Commissioner for the taking of subscriptions

    1. 1789 · First Congress sessionCapitalization Through Stock Sales

      Hamilton proposed funding the bank through $10 million in stock sales, with the United States government purchasing the first $2 million in shares.

    2. circa 1790–1791 · Federal fiscal policy contextFiscal Program and Related Funding Measures

      The bank formed part of a three-part expansion of federal fiscal power; Hamilton also proposed raising duties on imported spirits and an excise on whiskey to meet government payment obligations.

    3. February 25, 1791 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then the national capitalCongressional Charter of February 25, 1791

      The United States Congress chartered the Bank of the United States for twenty years on February 25, 1791, and Washington signed the bank bill into law the same day.

    4. March 19 – December 12, 1791 · Carpenters' Hall, PhiladelphiaCommissioners, Leadership, and Opening

      Washington appointed three subscription commissioners on March 19, 1791; the Philadelphia branch opened December 12, 1791, operating from Carpenters' Hall, with Willing elected President in October.

  2. First Year of Regular Production at the United States Mint

    1793

    Role: First Director of the United States Mint (1792–1795)

    1. 1793 · First United States Mint building ("Ye Olde Mint")Mint Begins Operation in Philadelphia

      The first Mint building, constructed in 1792 in Philadelphia, began operation in 1793, initiating regular coinage production.

    2. 1793 · United States Mint, PhiladelphiaFirst Minting of the Half Cent

      The half cent, the smallest denomination of US coin ever minted, was first minted in 1793 following its authorization by the Coinage Act of 1792.

Sources

  1. First Bank of the United States Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-12
  2. United States Mint Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-26