Jan 21 1st American novel, WH Brown's "Power of Sympathy" is published Jan 23 Georgetown, 1st US Catholic college, founded French Revolution Jan 24 Louis XVI of France issues an edict calling for the convocation of the Estates-General, a major event in the French Revolution King of France Louis XVI Jan 26 John Odell signs contract for £336 to build St Peter's church in the Bronx 1788 Historical Events by Year 1790