America’s First Postmaster
On November 5, 1639, Richard Fairbanks was made the first official postmaster in an American colony. Many consider this to be the first public postal service in America.
Postal History
Rare Double Transfer Souvenir Sheet
On November 3, 1994, the USPS issued a souvenir sheet honoring the 100th anniversary of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing producing US postage stamps. A relatively small number of sheets were discovered with a rare double transfer.
Carolina and Charleston
On October 30, 1629, the Carolina Province was named, and plans were made for early settlement. That settlement would be delayed for many years, but the name was retained.
Shootout at the OK Corral
On October 26, 1881, the Earp brothers took on the Clanton-McLaury Gang at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. The shootout became one of the most famous events in the Old West.
Ohio River Canalization Stamp
On October 19, 1929, the US Post Office issued a 2¢ commemorative honoring the canalization of the Ohio River. It came as the culmination of over 50 years of work on the project, which was a major engineering feat.
Territorial Series
On October 18, 1937, the US Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring the overseas territories of the United States. These stamps chronicled decades of US territorial expansion.
Pitcairn Islands Stamps Fund the Colony
On October 15, 1940, the Pitcairn Islands Post Office opened, issuing the colony’s first stamps. These stamps were very popular with collectors and eventually helped support most of the colony’s budget.
First Non-Denominated US Stamps
On October 14, 1975, the USPS issued its first non-denominated postage stamps. The two Christmas stamps were issued without denominations because the USPS was unsure about an upcoming rate change.
Future Farmers of America Stamp
On October 13, 1953, the US Post Office issued a 3¢ stamp honoring the 25th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America. It was issued at the place the organization was founded – Kansas City, Missouri.