This Day In History

On July 5, 1950, US forces had their first fight of the Korean War at the Battle of Osan.

Future President John Calvin Coolidge Jr. was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1872.  He would serve as America’s 30th president, taking the office upon the unexpected death of President Warren Harding.

On July 3, 1890, Idaho was admitted as America’s 43rd state. This occurred 27 years after its creation as a territory.

On July 2, 1881, an assassin shot President James Garfield just four months into his presidency. Dying two months later, his was the second shortest presidency in US history.

On June 8, 1959, the US Post Office Department launched its experimental missile mail in an attempt to find a faster method of mail delivery.

On May 25, 1967, the Canada Centennial stamp was issued in Montreal – the first time a US stamp had a First Day ceremony in another country.

On May 15, 1918, America’s airmail service began when two Curtiss Jennys departed New York and Washington, DC. In the months that followed, pioneering aviators expanded airmail service over the treacherous Allegheny Mountains to Chicago and eventually the west coast.

On March 12, 1888, a short-lived blizzard mail service delivered letters to New York City during one of the worst storms in history.

Nancy Reagan was born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921, in New York City. As first lady from 1981-89, she renovated the White House and spearheaded the “Just Say No” to drugs campaign.

On July 6, 1933, the first All-Star game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. It’s become a beloved annual tradition held nearly every since.

William John Clifton Haley was born on July 6, 1925, in Highland Park, Michigan. Called the “father of the rock revolution,” Haley and his band the Comets are credited with recording some of the first rock ‘n’ roll hits.

Naval commander John Paul Jones was born John Paul on July 6, 1747, in Arbigland, Kirkcudbright, Scotland.  Jones served with distinction during the American Revolution and has been called the Father of the American navy.