Americana

1996 32¢ Folk Heroes: Paul Bunyan
March 17, 1893

The Legend of Paul Bunyan

March 17, 1893 marked the first recorded reference to Paul Bunyan in the Gladwin County Record. A series of tall tales made their way from lumber camps to newspapers, to books, and beyond, making Paul Bunyan an American folklore hero.

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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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1931 30¢ Bison, brown
November 5, 2022

National Bison Day

Since 2013, National Bison Day has been held on the first Saturday in November, which falls on November 5, 2022. Once close to extinction, bison populations have recovered due to prolonged conservation efforts and in 2016, the bison was made America’s national mammal.

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1976 13¢ Declaration of Independence
October 8, 1793

Death of Statesman John Hancock

On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Most famous for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, he was a very influential Founding Father.

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1966 5¢ Johnny Appleseed
September 26, 1774

Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed 

John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts.  A popular figure in American folklore, he planted countless apple seeds, helping the fruit to prosper in America.

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1974 10¢ First Continental Congress
September 9, 1776

The “United Colonies” Become “United States” 

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared that the United Colonies would now be known as the United States.

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2001 34¢ Amish Quilts
August 9, 2001

American Treasures Series

On August 9, 2001, the USPS inaugurated the American Treasures Series with the issue of four stamps depicting Amish quilts. The series would span more than a decade and feature paintings, tapestries, glassware, and more.

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1974 6.3¢ Liberty Bell, rotary press coil, veritcal perf 10
July 8, 1776

Liberty Bell Rings for Independence 

On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell was rung to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

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1957 4¢ Old Glory, 48 stars
July 4, 1957

First US Flag Stamp

On July 4, 1957, the US Post Office issued its first stamp with the US flag as the central element.  It was also the first stamp printed by the Giori press, which allowed the design to be printed in its natural colors in one step.

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