George Washington

1955 3¢ Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
April 15, 1741

Birth of Charles Willson Peale 

Artist Charles Willson Peale was born on April 15, 1741, in Chester, Province of Maryland. A prolific artist from the Revolutionary era, he painted more than 1,100 portraits, including several of George Washington.

Read Article
2021 55¢ Mid-Atlantic Lighthouses – Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York
April 12, 1792

Montauk Point Light

On April 12, 1792, Montauk Point Light was authorized by President George Washington.  It was the first lighthouse built in the state of New York and one of the first public works projects of the United States.

Read Article
1873 30¢ Official Stamp Post Office
February 20, 1792

Washington Establishes U.S. Post Office

On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the US Post Office.

Read Article
1875 10¢ Washington imperforate
January 8, 1790

Washington Delivers First State of the Union Address 

On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered the very first State of the Union address at Federal Hall in New York City. It started a long tradition that continues to this day.

Read Article
1908 1¢ Franklin, green, double line watermark
December 29, 1908

First Nationwide Coil Stamp Issued

On December 29, 1908, the US Post Office Department issued its first coil stamps on a national scale. These stamps ushered in a new era in both mail delivery and philately.

Read Article
1976 Washington Crosses the Delaware S/S
December 25, 1776

Washington Crosses the Delaware

On the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington led his men across the Delaware River in a surprise attack on the British. Their victory at Trenton was a significant morale booster – encouraging troops to reenlist and convincing new recruits to join the fight.

Read Article
1875 10¢ Washington imperforate
December 14, 1799

Death of George Washington

America’s first president, George Washington, died on December 14, 1799. He served his country for 45 of his 67 years, and is remembered as the Father of our Country, hero of the American Revolution, and first president of the United States. Today, we’ll look back on some interesting facts from his life…

Read Article
1982 20¢ Touro Synagogue
December 2, 1763

Dedication of Touro Synagogue

On December 2, 1763, the Touro Synagogue was officially dedicated after four years of construction. Today, it’s the oldest standing synagogue in the US.

Read Article
1958 4¢ Fort Duquesne
November 25, 1758

Capture of Fort Duquesne

On November 25, 1758, British and Colonial American forces successfully took over Fort Duquesne from the French.  This came near the end of several years of fighting in the French and Indian Wars.

Read Article

Love history?

Discover events in American history – plus the stamps that make them come alive.

Subscribe to get This Day in History stories straight to your inbox every day!