District of Columbia
On July 16, 1790, the District of Columbia was established with George Washington’s signing of the Residence Act. It would be 10 years before the national government officially relocated there.
Government
-
-
Birth of US Army’s Medal of Honor
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating a Medal of Honor to be awarded to members of the Army. Of the more than 3,500 medals of honor awarded since then, 1,520 were for Civil War service.
-
Birth of John Quincy Adams
America’s sixth president, John Quincy Adams was born on July 11, 1767, in Braintree (present-day Quincy), Massachusetts. He was the first president’s son to become president.
-
Birth of Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921, in New York City. As first lady from 1981-89, she renovated the White House and spearheaded the “Just Say No” to drugs campaign.
-
First U.S. Postage Stamp Goes on Sale
On July 1, 1847, America’s first postage stamps were issued. While the use of stamps wasn’t mandatory until 1856, this was a historic philatelic milestone.
-
Birth of George Washington Goethals
US Army general and civil engineer, George Washington Goethals was born on June 29, 1858, in Brooklyn, New York. Under his leadership, the Panama Canal was completed two years ahead of schedule.
-
Stock Transfer Stamps
On June 25, 1918, Stock Transfer stamps were approved for use. These stamps showed that the taxes had been paid on the sale or transfer of shares or certificates of stock.
-
First Canal Zone Stamps Issued
On June 24, 1904, the US issued its first stamps for use in the Canal Zone. The stamps were used by the thousands of workers who built and maintained the Panama Canal.
-
Antarctic Treaty
On June 23, 1961, the Antarctic Treaty went into effect. Originally signed by 12 nations, it called for the peaceful use of the Antarctic Territory surrounding the South Pole.
