Timeline of United States discoveries

Lore & Background

The timeline begins in the 18th century with Benjamin Franklin's 1747 discovery of charge conservation, the principle that electric charge can neither be created nor destroyed. It also includes the accidental discovery of Johnston Atoll in 1796 by U.S. Captain Joseph Pierpoint, and multiple Pacific island discoveries by Captain Edmund Fanning in 1798, including Tabuaeran, Teraina, Palmyra Atoll, and Kingman Reef. In the 19th century, the South Orkney Islands were co-discovered in 1821 by Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer and British sealer George Powell. Howland Island was discovered in 1822 by Captain George B. Worth, and Baker Island was discovered in 1832 by Captain Michael Baker.

Reader's Guide

The timeline highlights the 'Bone Wars' (1877–1892), a period of intense rivalry between American paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh, whose expeditions across North America resulted in the discovery of 142 species of dinosaurs. With the founding of NASA in 1958, the United States pursued extraterrestrial and astronomical discoveries, exemplified by the 2008 Phoenix lander's confirmation of frozen water on Mars, a finding suspected by scientists such as Peter H. Smith of the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. The timeline also notes the discovery of chloroform in 1831. These entries collectively illustrate the breadth of U.S. contributions to global knowledge, from fundamental physics to planetary science and geographic exploration.

Did You Know?

• Benjamin Franklin discovered the principle of charge conservation around 1747.
• The 'Bone Wars' between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh resulted in 142 species of dinosaurs being discovered.
• In 2008, the Phoenix lander discovered frozen water on Mars, confirming a suspicion held by scientists like Peter H. Smith.
• Johnston Atoll was discovered accidentally in 1796 when U.S. Captain Joseph Pierpoint's ship, the American brig Sally, ran aground.