Exploration

1994 29¢ Legends of the West John Frémont
July 13, 1890

Death of John C. Frémont

Explorer and soldier John C. Frémont died on July 13, 1890, in New York City. Nicknamed “The Pathfinder,” Frémont led several expeditions to the American West, served in the Civil War, and was a promising presidential candidate.

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2002 34¢ Greetings From America: Missouri
June 10, 1967

Gateway Arch Opens to the Public

On June 10, 1967, the Gateway Arch opened in St. Louis, Missouri. A monument to America’s westward expansion, it’s the tallest arch in the world at 630 feet.

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2007 41¢ Settlement of Jamestown
May 14, 1607

Settlement of Jamestown

On May 14, 1607, America’s first permanent English settlement was established at Jamestown, Virginia. The settlers struggled for several years but eventually built Jamestown into a thriving and successful community.

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2013 46¢ La Florida
April 3, 1513

Ponce de Leon Claims Florida 

On April 3, 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed on the Florida coast and claimed the area for Spain. He named it La Florida, or “Feast of Flowers,” a reference to the Easter celebration in Spain.

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2016 47¢ National Parks Centennial Bandelier National Monument
February 11, 1916

Bandelier National Monument

On February 11, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico.  The 33,677-acre park protects ancient pueblo structures and is home to a notable Civilian Conservation Corp district.

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1999 33¢ Celebrate the Century - 1950s: U.S. Launches Satellites
January 31, 1958

Launch of Explorer I 

Late in the evening of January 31, 1958, the US launched its first satellite, Explorer I. It was an important milestone in America’s space race with the Soviet Union.

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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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2002 37¢ Women in Journalism: Nellie Bly
November 14, 1889

Nellie Bly Begins Record-Setting Trip Around the Globe 

On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on a trip around the globe, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days.

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1978 13¢ Captain Cook Bicentennial, Alaska
November 7, 1728

Birth of Explorer James Cook

British explorer and navigator Captain James Cook was born on November 7, 1728 (October 27 in the Old Style calendar), in Marton, Yorkshire, England. 

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