David Rittenhouse

Born: 1732 | Died: 1796

Astronomer and Teacher

William Rittenhouse’ great-grandson, David was born in Germantown. He had a strong interest in mathematics and astronomy. It is said that he built the first telescope in the United States. He was also one of the first astronomers to use spider webs in his telescopes as reticles. Using this new technique, he was able to observe the atmosphere of planet Venus. He taught astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and gained a reputation by building orreries there as well as for Princeton University.

David Rittenhouse also contributed to the young country by supervising the establishment of the boundaries between the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the Northwest Territory, as well as parts of those between New York and New Jersey and between New York and Massachusetts.

In addition to various other offices, David Rittenhouse served as treasurer of the state of Pennsylvania from 1777 to 1789. President George Washington appointed David Rittenhouse as first director of the US Mint in Philadelphia in 1792.

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