On This Day

What Happened in May 1790

Historical Events

  • May 26 Territory South of River Ohio created by US Congress

USAConstitution of the United States

May 29 Rhode Island becomes last of original 13 colonies ratifying US Constitution

Learn More
Page one of the original copy of the Constitution of the United States
Page one of the original copy of the Constitution of the United States
Learn More
  • May 31 US copyright law enacted
  • May 31 Alferez Manuel Quimper explores the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Famous Birthdays

  • May 6 Wilhelm Würfel, Bohemian pianist and composer, born in Plaňány, Kolín (d. 1832)
  • May 12 [Johannes] Carsten Hauch, Danish poet and writer, born in Frederikshald, Norway (d. 1872)
  • May 23 Jules Dumont d'Urville, French explorer and naval officer, born in Condé-sur-Noireau, France (d. 1842)

Famous Deaths

  • May 4 Matthew Tilghman, American delegate to the Continental Congress (b. 1718)
  • May 9 William Clingan, American delegate to the Continental Congress
  • May 16 Philip Yorke, 2nd Earl of Hardwicke, English politician, dies at 70
  • May 21 Thomas Warton, English critic and poet (Pleasures of Melancholy) British Poet Laureate (1785-90), dies at 62
  • May 27 Jeremiah Carlton, laziest man in history, heir to a large fortune at 19 went to bed & stayed there for next 70 yrs, dies at 89
  • May 29 Israel Putnam, American Revolutionary War general (b. 1718)


What Happened in 1790