Historical events in 1785
- Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm, German philosopher who wrote Grimms Fairy Tales, was born.
- Thomas Jefferson was appointed minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.
- Louis XVII, Pretender to the throne (1793-1795) during the French Revolution, was born.
- British inventor Joseph Bramah patented a beer-pump handle.
- Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of bifocals.
- Two French balloonists died in the world's 1st fatal aviation accident.
- The first Fourth of July parade was held in Bristol, Rhode Island.
- Napoleon Bonaparte (16) graduated from the military academy in Paris. He was 42nd in a class of 51.
