Guam Guard Mail Stamps
On April 8, 1930, Guam Guard Mail stamps were introduced for inter-island mail. Issued in small numbers, they were only in use for a year.
Mail Delivery
First U.S. Mail Classification Act
On March 3, 1863, Congress passed an act establishing three classes of mail to simplify a complicated system that included over 300 different rates.
National Letter Writing Week
On February 25, 1980, the USPS issued a set of stamps commemorating National Letter Writing Week. Those stamps marked the first time that the USPS issued a sheet of stamps with three sets of vertical pairs.
The Electric-Eye Perforator
On February 5, 1935, the US Post Office delivered its first stamps produced using the new electric-eye perforator. This new machine helped ensure better centering of stamps and resulted in a dramatic decrease in waste.
The 1991 Make-Up Rate Stamp
On January 22, 1991, the USPS issued a 4¢ stamp to “make-up” the difference between the old 25¢ rate and the new 29¢ rate. While it was criticized for its lack of design, was the first non-denominated stamp of its kind.
First Flown Letter in America
On January 9, 1793, Jean-Pierre Blanchard carried the first letter by hot air balloon in America. The letter came from President George Washington, an avid balloon enthusiast.
Famed Columbian Stamps Issued
On January 1, 1893, the majority the Columbian stamps were first placed on sale in large cities. The Columbians are some of America’s most famous and sought-after stamps, and are considered the first US commemorative stamps.
Birth of Sir Rowland Hill
Sir Rowland Hill was born on December 3, 1795, in Kidderminster, England. Hill revolutionized the postal system by establishing a uniform minimum price of one penny, leading to the creation of the first postage stamp.
First and Only U.S. Registration Stamp
On December 1, 1911, the US Post Office Department issued its first and only Registration stamp. It was used for the prepayment of registry fees, but was often misused and only remained in use for less than two years.