The first woman to earn a patent in the United States was Mary Kies. In 1809, she received a patent for her innovative method of weaving straw with silk, making her a pioneer in female entrepreneurship and innovation. Her achievement came in a time when women's contributions were often overlooked in the male-dominated fields of science and technology. Kies’ patent marked an important step in women's representation in inventive endeavors and inspired future generations of female inventors to pursue their ideas and recognition in patenting.