American West

1948 3¢ California Gold Rush Centennial
January 24, 1848

Start of the California Gold Rush

On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, beginning the California Gold Rush. Thousands quickly flocked to the area in hopes of striking gold.

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1994 29¢ Legends of the West: Nellie Cashman
January 4, 1925

Death of Nellie Cashman

Nurse, businesswoman, and philanthropist Nellie Cashman died on January 4, 1925, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  Spending much of her life running boarding houses near mining camps and caring for sick miners, she became known as the “Miners’ Angel.”

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1994 29¢ Legends of the West: Bill Pickett
December 5, 1870

Birth of Bill Pickett

Cowboy and showman Bill Pickett was born on December 5, 1870. During his life, he was famous for his “bulldogging” act at rodeos. Decades after his death, he became famous once again, as the subject of rare modern stamp error…

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1994 29¢ Legends of the West: Annie Oakley
August 13, 1860

Birth of Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey on August 13, 1860, in Darke County, Ohio. She was one of the most talented sharpshooters of her day and solidified the image of the American cowgirl.

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 US #944 pictures the raising of the American flag above the governor’s palace in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in August 1846.
August 18, 1846

Kearny Expedition

On August 18, 1846, Stephen W. Kearny declared himself military governor of the New Mexico Territory.  He had captured Santa Fe without firing a shot, as part of the Kearny Expedition.

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 US #3876 – Wayne was the 10th honoree in the Legends of Hollywood Series.
May 26, 1907

Happy Birthday John Wayne 

John Wayne was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, on May 26, 1907.

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 US #3236l pictures Moran’s Cliffs of Green River, Wyoming.
February 12, 1837

Happy Birthday Thomas Moran

Artist Thomas Moran was born on February 12, 1837, in Bolton, Lancashire, England.

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1993 29¢ Classic Books: Little House On The Prairie Fleetwood First Day Cover
February 7, 1867

Happy Birthday Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Acclaimed author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin.

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2008 42¢ Albert Bierstadt
January 7, 1830

Happy Birthday, Albert Bierstadt

Artist Albert Bierstadt was born on January 7, 1830, in Solingen, Germany.

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