Texas Admitted to the Union
On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted as America’s 28th state. Texas joined the US after 10 years as an independent republic.
Famous Americans
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Great Americans Series
On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series.
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Birth of Kit Carson
Christopher Houston Carson was born December 24, 1809, in Richmond, Kentucky. Better known as Kit Carson, his contributions to the westward expansion of the United States rank him as one of the nation’s great folk heroes.
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Founding of the National Grange
On December 4, 1867, Oliver Hudson Kelley established the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. The Grange organized America’s farmers into a powerful political and economic group that lobbied for “Granger Laws.”
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First Grand Ole Opry Performance
On November 28, 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was founded as the WSM Barn Dance. The longest-running American radio broadcast, it’s been called the Home of American Music and Country’s Most Famous Stage.
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Happy Birthday Scott Joplin
While Scott Joplin’s exact birthdate is unknown, it’s often considered to be November 24, 1868, as shown on his tombstone. Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime Writers,” known for hits such as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.”
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Happy Birthday Boris Karloff
Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. Karloff appeared in more than 170 films during his career, becoming a horror icon for his memorable performances in Frankenstein and The Mummy.
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Start of the Prominent Americans Series
On November 19, 1965, the U.S. Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring Prominent Americans. The series included several “firsts” and technological changes.
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Birth of Artist Isamu Noguchi
On November 17, 1904, Isamu Noguchi was born in Los Angeles, California. He was a world-renowned artist known for his large-scale sculptures found around the globe.
