First U.S. Semipostal
On July 29, 1998, the USPS issued its first Semipostal stamp to fund breast cancer research.
Postal History
First U.S.-Soviet Joint Issue Stamps
On July 15, 1975, the US and Soviet Union each issued stamps honoring the launch of their Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, their first joint space venture.
First U.S. Joint Issue
America’s first joint issue stamp was created to honor the completion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The U.S. and Canada worked together to create the seaway to connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Last Stamp Issued by the Post Office Department
On June 23, 1971, the Post Office issued its last commemorative stamp as a cabinet-level department.
National Industrial Recovery Act
On June 16, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation passing the National Industrial Recovery Act.
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.
First and Only Delivery of “Missile Mail”
On June 8, 1959, the U.S. Post Office Department launched its experimental missile mail in an attempt to find a faster method of mail delivery.
World’s First Postage Stamp Issued
The world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued on May 1, 1840.