Our first president, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia Colony. Since America’s first postage stamps were issued in 1847, he’s appeared on more than 300 US stamps – more than any other individual!
On February 19, 1936, Billy Mitchell died in New York City. He’s often considered the father of the United States Air Force, having dedicated much of his career promoting air power in warfare.
On February 15, 1926, the first contract airmail flight was made between Michigan and Ohio. Three stamps were issued for this service during its first two years.
On February 9, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant created the US Weather Bureau. Still in operation today as the National Weather Service, it provides weather forecasts and warnings for hazardous weather.
William Tecumseh Sherman was born on February 8, 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio. His tough “scorched earth” policy was a severe blow to morale in the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Aviation pioneer Charles Augustus Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the first person to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean and helped to promote and expand aviation and airmail.
Baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He was the first African American baseball player in the major leagues and had an impressive decade-long career that earned respect and admiration.
On January 25, 1945, the Battle of the Bulge came to an end.
Army general and statesman George C. Marshall was born on December 31, 1880. His leadership was instrumental in several conflicts and his plan helped Europe recover from World War II.