Exploration

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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2020 $26.35 Grand Island Ice Caves – Express Mail
October 15, 1966

Creation of First US National Lakeshore

On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.

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 1920 1¢ Pilgrim Tercentenary: The Mayflower
September 16, 1620

The Mayflower Departs England for America

On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower left England. The Pilgrims braved rough seas and a harsh winter in search of religious freedom and founded the settlement of Plymouth.

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1909 2¢ Hudson-Fulton Celebration: Half Moon and Clermont
September 12, 1609

Henry Hudson Sails the Hudson River

On September 12, 1609, explorer Henry Hudson reached the river that would bear his name.  

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2000 33¢ Celebrate the Century - 1980s: Space Shuttle Program
August 30, 1984

First Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery 

On August 30, 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery made its first launch into space, two months later than initially planned.  It would go on to make more flights than any other shuttle in its fleet. 

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