First U.S. Joint Issue
America’s first joint issue stamp was created to honor the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The US and Canada worked together to create the seaway to connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Art
Last Stamp Issued by the Post Office Department
On June 23, 1971, the Post Office issued its last commemorative stamp as a cabinet-level department. It was reorganized as the United States Postal Service, a corporation-like independent agency of the federal government.
West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state. It had formed from the western counties of Virginia which disagreed with the state’s decision to secede during the Civil War.
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a federal holiday observed across the country.
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, American colonists inflicted heavy British casualties in their loss at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Showing that the inexperienced colonial militias could stand up against the well-trained British, It raised morale and increased support for independence.
Final Issue of the Classic Collection
On June 13, 2002, the USPS issued the final sheet in the Classic Collection Series. The popular series ran for 6 years and included 11 stamp sheets, including one of the most famous stamp errors of modern history.
Birth of Gwendolyn Brooks
Poet, author, and teacher Gwendolyn Brooks was born on June 7, 1917, in Topeka, Kansas. The poet laureate of Illinois, she was the first Black American writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Happy Birthday Walt Whitman
Acclaimed poet Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Considered one of the most influential American poets, he’s also been called the father of free verse.
Opening of the Chrysler Building
On May 27, 1930, the Chrysler Building, the tallest man-made structure at the time, opened to the public.