Postal Act of 1852
On August 31, 1852, the U.S. passed the Postal Act 1852, which required private express companies to use envelopes created by the Post Office.
Postal History
Postage Currency
On August 21, 1862, Postage Currency was issued to make business transactions easier during the Civil War.
First Solar Eclipse Over the U.S. in 38 Years
August 21, 2017, marks the first total solar eclipse of the sun to pass over the United States since 1979.
Birth of Meriwether Lewis
Explorer, soldier, and politician Meriwether Lewis was born on August 18, 1774, in Ivy, Albemarle County, Virginia.
U.S. Issues Replacements for Demonetized Stamps
On August 17, 1861, the first of several Civil War era stamps was first used.
America’s First Theme Park
On August 3, 1946, the first themed amusement park in America opened in Santa Claus, Indiana.
First U.S. Semipostal
On July 29, 1998, the USPS issued its first Semipostal stamp to fund breast cancer research.
Latvia’s First Stamps Printed on Maps!
On December 18, 1918, war-torn and recently independent Latvia issued its first stamps, printed on the back of German military maps.
Special Delivery Service Begins
On October 1, 1885, the Special Delivery service was first available and the first stamp, US #E1, went on sale.