Thomaston in Knox County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Father of the United States Patent Office
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Le "Pere du Bureau des Brevets Americains"
Thomaston, Maine
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
1. Father of the United States Patent Office Marker
U.S. Senator John Ruggles' nickname was well deserved. He was instrumental in establishing the office and was holder of U.S. Pat. No. 1, a design for an innovative railroad wheel. His stately home, in the Federal Style, is one of the most beautiful in town. Built in 1827, it features a curved staircase and rooms of huge proportions. To the east is the small house (shown below) of Rep. Jonathan Cilley, tragically killed in a duel in 1838. Cilley's death brought about the legislation making dueling illegal in the country. The small building between the two houses was a one-room law office.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.
Location. 44° 4.834′ N, 69° 10.404′ W. Marker is in Thomaston, Maine, in Knox County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 1) and Pine Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thomaston ME 04861, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Midcoast Maine and on Penobscot Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Main Street in 1871 (within shouting distance of this marker); One Minister Two Achievements (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grave Site of Major General Henry Knox (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Favorite Widow (approx. 0.2 miles
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
2. Father of the United States Patent Office Marker
Also see . . . John Ruggles (Wikipedia). (Submitted on October 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
3. U.S. Senator John Ruggles Home
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
