US History 1800 to 1809 Chronology

The American schooner Enterprise captures the Barbary cruiser Tripoli.Often venturing into harm's way, America's most famous sailing ship, the Constitution, twice came close to oblivion.

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Nov 10

Tennessee becomes the first U.S. state to legislate against dueling.

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1802

Jan 01

Thomas Jefferson, in a letter written to the Danbury [CT] Baptist Association, coined the metaphor, "a wall of separation between Church and State." From 1947, the "wall of separation" concept gained acceptance as a constitutional guideline.

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Jan 26

Congress passed an act calling for a library to be established within the U.S. Capitol.

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Jan 29

John Beckley of Virginia appointed first Librarian of Congress.

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Feb 02

The first leopard to be exhibited in the United States is shown by Othello Pollard in Boston, MA (admission 25¢).

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Mar 16

US army Corps of Engineers established (2nd time).

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Mar 16

Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

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Apr 19

The Spanish reopen New Orleans port to American merchants.

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May 03

Washington DC incorporates as a city.

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Jul 04

The United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, NY.

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1803

Mar 03

The first impeachment trial of a U.S. Judge, John Pickering, begins. The first impeachment trial of a U.S. Judge, John Pickering, begins.

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May 22

First public library opens (Connecticut).

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Oct 31

The US frigate Philadelphia runs aground near Tripoli and is captured by the Barbary pirates.

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1804

Feb 16

Lt Stephen Decatur leads 74 men into Tripoli harbor, boards the captured US frigate Philadelphia, kills all but 2 of the crew, torches the Philadelphia and escapes without losing a man, in an act British Admiral Horatio Nelson later calls the "most daring act of the age."

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Jun 15

12th amendment ratified; deals with manner of choosing president.

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Sep 05

In a daring night raid, American sailors under Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, board the captured USS Philadelphia and burn the ship to keep it out of the hands of the Barbary pirates who captured her. Often venturing into harm's way, America's most famous sailing ship, the USS Constitution, twice came close to oblivion.

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Sep 25

12th Amendment to constitution separates ballots for President and Vice President comes into effect.

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1805

Jan 11

The Michigan Territory was created.

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Mar 03

Louisiana-Missouri Territory forms.

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Apr 24

US Marines attack and capture the town of Derna in Tripoli from the Barbary pirates.

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Apr 27

A force led by U.S. Marines captured the city of Derna, on the shores of Tripoli.

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Jun 04

Tripoli is forced to conclude peace with the United States after a conflict over tribute.

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1806

Mar 29

The Great National Pike, also known as the Cumberland Road, became the first highway funded by the national treasury with an appropriation of $30,000. Built between 1806 and 1840, the Great National Pike stretched from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois.

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Jul 15

Lieutenant Zebulon Pike begins his western expedition from Fort Belle Fountaine.

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1807