Opening of FIPEX
The Fifth International Philatelic Exhibition (FIPEX) opened its doors to a record 60,000 visitors on April 28, 1956.
Postal History
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First Stamp Issued in Presidential Series
On April 25, 1938, the first stamp in the Presidential Series (also known as the Prexies) was issued featuring George Washington. The popular series pictured every deceased US president up to that time, marking the the first postal appearances for 12 US presidents.
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Special Handling Stamps
On April 11, 1925, the US Post Office issued its first Special Handling stamp, #QE4. Special Handling stamps enabled fourth-class mail to be delivered at the speed of first-class mail, which was especially important since many parcels contained live animals such as young alligators or baby chicks!
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Launch of the SS Adriatic
On April 7, 1856, the SS Adriatic was launched. It was the largest and fastest ocean liner in the world and considered a modern marvel at the time. It was also the first ship pictured on a US stamp.
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$1 Airlift Stamp
On April 4, 1968, the USPS issued a $1 stamp that, when combined with a parcel post stamp, was used to send mail and packages to American service members overseas.
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Inaugural Run of the Pony Express
On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express made its first trip from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. Though short-lived, the Pony Express was a revolution in communication, able to transport important letters across the country more than twice as fast as the existing overland mail system.
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First Commercial Telegraph Service
On April 1, 1845, the US Post Office Department inaugurated the first commercial telegraph service.
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Scarce Imperforate 1908 Lincoln Stamp
On March 30, 1908, the US Post Office issued an imperforate 5¢ Lincoln stamp that nearly went unnoticed by collectors. It was never intended for public sale and could have been lost to time if not for a group of quick-acting collectors.
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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.
