1795 DRAPED BUST $10, 13 LEAVES, SMALL EAGLE MS61

In 1897, the United States was a canvas of cultural innovation, technological advancement, and historical milestones that underscored the nation’s dynamic evolution at the turn of the century. That year, the first Boston Marathon was held on April 19, establishing a tradition that would grow to become the world’s oldest annual marathon, symbolizing endurance and international camaraderie. This spirit of innovation extended to the culinary world with Alfred L. Cralle’s patent of the first ice cream scoop, an invention that revolutionized the serving of America’s burgeoning favorite treat, ice cream, enhancing its enjoyment across the nation. In the same vein, the introduction of Jell-O by Pearle Bixby Wait offered American households a new, simple, and versatile dessert option, soon to become a staple in American cuisine and culture. 1897 also marked significant economic and cultural shifts, as evidenced by the Klondike Gold Rush. Although centered in Canada, its effects rippled through the United States, particularly transforming Seattle into a bustling hub for prospectors, which spurred economic growth and positioned the city as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Further enriching the nation’s cultural landscape, the Library of Congress opened its magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., becoming a treasure trove of American knowledge, creativity, and heritage. The year saw the first recorded automobile accident in New York City, a less joyous but pivotal moment highlighting the automobile’s emerging role in American life and signaling the dawn of a new transportation era. Together, these events from 1897 illustrate a vibrant tapestry of American life, marked by moments of joy, ingenuity, and significant cultural and economic development, painting a picture of a nation on the cusp of modernity.