Patent Pending
On this day in 1790, the very first patent was issued by the newly-created United States Patent Office.U. S. Patent Office history is near to our hearts here at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Our museum is housed in the former Patent Office Building. Architect Robert Mills designed the neoclassical structure and construction began in 1836. This view of the Patent Office Building dates to the 1850s. Of course, the view looks a lot different today. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is currently closed for a major renovation that will restore the Patent Office Building to its former glory.
Pictured: United States Patent Office designed by Robert Mills in 1836. This hand-colored engraving dates to around 1850.
On this day in 1790, the very first patent was issued by the newly-created United States Patent Office.U. S. Patent Office history is near to our hearts here at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Our museum is housed in the former Patent Office Building. Architect Robert Mills designed the neoclassical structure and construction began in 1836. This view of the Patent Office Building dates to the 1850s. Of course, the view looks a lot different today. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is currently closed for a major renovation that will restore the Patent Office Building to its former glory.