Launch of New Horizons Probe
On January 19, 2006, the New Horizons interplanetary space probe was launched on a mission that included studying Pluto. The mission was inspired in part a postage stamp!
Postal History
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The “Baby Zepp”
On October 2, 1933, the Century of Progress airmail stamp, affectionately known as “Baby Zepp” was issued. It sold poorly at the time and 90% of the stamps were destroyed, leaving a relatively small number available today.
