Today we celebrate the first patent on the modern pencil. On this day in 1858, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Hymen Lipman a patent for a pencil with an eraser attached to it. This wooden pencil was praised for its ease of use during writing and drawing.

Did you know that a single wooden pencil can write 45,000 words or draw a line that is 35 miles long? A pencil can also write under water, upside down, or in zero gravity. 

Pencils have been mass produced in Europe since 1622, but they weren't in production in the United States until 1812. Pencils were first painted yellow because it is a color often associated with royalty and honor. During this time, a yellow pencil became known as the best type of pencil you could buy!

On Pencil Day, commemorate the history and usefulness of pencils by putting your laptop aside and instead use a pencil and paper to write!