1913 establishments in the United States

1913 establishments in the United States was a year of foundational progress across the nation, marked by significant federal reforms, corporate beginnings, and cultural milestones. The year saw the implementation of constitutional amendments that reshaped the government's financial structure and democratic processes. Concurrently, new institutions in business, arts, and infrastructure laid the groundwork for the modern American century.

Government and politics

The most transformative governmental developments were the ratifications of the Sixteenth Amendment and the Seventeenth Amendment. The former authorized a federal income tax, fundamentally altering the Treasury Department's revenue system, while the latter established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote. In December, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act, creating the Federal Reserve System as the nation's central banking authority to stabilize the financial system. The Department of Labor was established as a Cabinet-level department, with William B. Wilson becoming its first Secretary. Furthermore, the United States Commission on Industrial Relations was formed to investigate labor unrest, and the parliamentary authority Robert's Rules of Order received a major new edition.

Business and industry

Several enduring corporations and financial institutions trace their origins to 1913. The Hallmark Cards company was founded in Kansas City by Joyce Hall, revolutionizing the greeting card industry. In Detroit, Henry Ford implemented the first moving assembly line for the Model T at his Highland Park Ford Plant, dramatically accelerating industrial production. The United States Chamber of Commerce was established in Washington, D.C. to represent business interests. In the retail sector, the first Piggly Wiggly store, the pioneer of the self-service grocery model, opened in Memphis, Tennessee, founded by Clarence Saunders. The Miami Herald newspaper published its first issue, becoming a major voice in South Florida.

Culture and society

The cultural landscape was enriched by new institutions and artistic movements. The groundbreaking Armory Show, officially the International Exhibition of Modern Art, introduced American audiences to European modernists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, causing a sensation in New York City. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was yet to exist, but the precursor to the Hollywood film industry saw the founding of the Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios, famous for its Keystone Cops. In publishing, the New Republic magazine was founded, and the poetry magazine Poetry, which had debuted in 1912, began publishing seminal works by poets like Robert Frost. The Fraternal Order of Eagles established its Grand Aerie headquarters.

Infrastructure and transportation

Major infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and urban life commenced or were completed. The Lincoln Highway, conceived by Carl G. Fisher, was officially dedicated as the first transcontinental highway for automobiles, stretching from Times Square to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. In New York City, the monumental Grand Central Terminal opened in February, replacing the old Grand Central Depot and becoming a world-renowned rail hub and architectural landmark. The Los Angeles Aqueduct, a massive engineering project overseen by William Mulholland, was completed, diverting water from the Owens Valley to fuel the growth of Los Angeles.

Science and technology

Advancements in science and technology were prominently showcased through new research institutions and applied innovations. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the precursor to NASA, was established to institutionalize aeronautical research. In the private sector, Arthur D. Little founded the consulting firm Arthur D. Little, Inc., one of the world's first management and technology consulting companies. The Smithsonian Institution saw the establishment of its Astrophysical Observatory. While not an establishment, the year was also notable for the invention of the modern brassiere by Mary Phelps Jacob, and the continued development of industrial processes like the Haber process for ammonia synthesis, which impacted American agriculture.

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