Betsy Ross Stamp
On January 2, 1952, the US Post Office Department issued a commemorative stamp honoring Betsy Ross, one day after her 200th birthday. The stamp pictures Ross presenting the flag to George Washington and the Flag Committee.
Famous Americans
Birth of Paul Revere
Paul Revere was born on January 1, 1735, according to the modern calendar in the North End of Boston. In 1775, he went on a famous ride to warn of the arrival of British troops. After the war, he earned a name for himself as a silversmith.
Birth of Alfred E. Smith
Alfred Emanuel Smith was born on December 30, 1873, in New York City, New York. Smith was a major figure in New York politics, serving as the state’s governor for eight years.
The Curse of the Bambino
On December 26, 1919, Babe Ruth was sold by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees, ushering in the long-standing superstitious Curse of the Bambino.
Federal Reserve Established
On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act, establishing America’s current central banking system. Commonly known as the “Fed,” this independent governmental agency manages the country’s supply of money and credit.
Death of General George Patton
On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton died from injuries he received in a car crash 12 days earlier. His death came mere months after the end of World War II, in which he’d commanded troops in some of the war’s major battles.
Death of Rube Foster
Andrew “Rube” Foster died on December 9, 1930. Known as the “Father of Black Baseball,” he created the Negro National League, the first major professional baseball league for African American athletes.
Birth of Artist Gilbert Stuart
On December 3, 1755, Gilbert Stuart was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island Colony. A prolific American artist, he painted more than 1,000 people, including our first six presidents. Several of his portraits have appeared on US stamps – and even the $1 bill!
Birth of Acclaimed Writer Mark Twain
On November 30, 1835, Samuel Clemens (known by his pen name, Mark Twain) was born in Florida, Missouri. Regarded as the father of American literature and the country’s greatest humorist, he also wrote what many consider the Great American Novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.