Buffalo Bill’s Wild West
On May 19, 1883, the first Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show opened in Omaha, Nebraska. The show ran under a few different names for 30 years.
Native Americans
Happy Birthday Ulysses S. Grant
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. A hero of the Civil War, he served as America’s 18th president.
Birth of Dennis Chávez
The first American-born Hispanic senator, Dionisio “Dennis” Chávez was born on April 8, 1888, in Los Chaves, New Mexico. The 1991 Chavez stamp was the first US stamp printed outside the US and led to a Congressional inquiry!
Founding of New Sweden
On March 29, 1638, the New Sweden Colony was established, encompassing parts of present-day Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The US issued its first three-nation joint issue to commemorate the event in 1988.
Funeral of Pocahontas
On March 21, 1617, the funeral of Pocahontas was held at Saint George’s, Gravesend, Kent, England. While some stories of her life have been exaggerated, she did befriend John Smith and help bring peace between their people.
Birth of Sam Houston
American soldier and politician Sam Houston was born on March 2, 1793, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was a hero of the Texas Revolution and the first president of the Republic of Texas.
Great Americans Series
On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series.
Birth of Kit Carson
Christopher Houston Carson was born December 24, 1809, in Richmond, Kentucky. Better known as Kit Carson, his contributions to the westward expansion of the United States rank him as one of the nation’s great folk heroes.
Battle of Tippecanoe
On November 7, 1811, future president William Henry Harrison clashed with Tecumseh’s warriors at the Battle of Tippecanoe, a precursor to the War of 1812. Harrison claimed victory and became known as “Old Tippecanoe.”