1790

January 8 - George Washington gives the first State of the Union Address
January 30 - The first boat specialized as a lifeboat is tested on the River Tyne.
February 1 - In New York City the Supreme Court of the United States convenes for the first time.
February 11 - Society of Friends petitions Congress for the abolition of slavery.
March 1 - The first United States census is authorized
May 29 - Rhode Island ratifies the United States Constitution and becomes the 13th U.S. state.
July 9 - Russo-Swedish War: Second Battle of Svensksund - In the Baltic Sea, the Swedish navy captures one third of the Russian fleet.
July 16 - The signing of the Residence Bill establishes a site along the Potomac River as the District of Columbia (seat of government) of the United States (see Washington, DC).
July 31 - Inventor Samuel Hopkins becomes the first to be issued a US patent (for an improved method of making potash).
August 4 - A newly passed tariff act creates the Revenue Cutter Service (the forerunner of the United States Coast Guard).
William Pitt refuses to recognize Belgium independence.
Construction begins on the White House.
U.S Funding Bill introduced by Alexander Hamilton.
Philadelphia becomes federal capital of the U.S.

Ongoing events

1790 in literature:
- Ethelinde, the Recluse of the Lake - Charlotte Turner Smith
- The Adventures of John of Gaunt - James White
1790 in science
1790 in music