Happy Birthday Chester A. Arthur
America’s 21st president, Chester Alan Arthur was born October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. He instituted major civil service reform, despite rising to prominence in part through the old patronage system.
Government
Disabled American Veterans
On September 25, 1920, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was officially established as a national social welfare organization. The organization provides millions of dollars in support for disabled veterans.
Jamestown Burns During Bacon’s Rebellion
On September 19, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led an irate group of followers into Jamestown and burned nearly all the buildings to the ground. Bacon’s rebellion and the burning of Jamestown are considered precursors to the American Revolution.
Birth of William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft was born September 15, 1857, near Cincinnati, Ohio. To date, he’s the the only person to serve as both US president and chief justice of the Supreme Court.
The Battle of Lake Erie
On September 10, 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry won an important War of 1812 victory on Lake Erie. That victory helped change the course of the war, leading to America’s absolute independence from Britain.
Proprietary Stamps
On September 2, 1871, the first Proprietary stamps with their own Scott designation (RB) were issued. These stamps paid the taxes on consumer goods, such as medicines, matches, perfumes, playing cards, canned foods, and more.
Beer Stamps
On September 1, 1866, the first US Beer stamps were issued. The first stamps issued for use on alcoholic beverages, they remained in use until 1951.
Champions of Liberty Series
On August 31, 1957, the US Post Office issued an 8¢ stamp honoring Ramon Magsaysay, the first stamp in a new Champions of Liberty Series. The stamps honor patriots who struggled courageously to protect their homelands from tyranny and further the cause of freedom.
Potato Stamps
On August 24, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Potato Control Law, which led to the creation of short-lived Potato stamps.