First Commercial Telegraph Service
On April 1, 1845, the US Post Office Department inaugurated the first commercial telegraph service.
Revenue Stamps
Firearms Transfer Stamps
On June 26, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Firearms Act of 1934 into law. The act placed a tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms, with new stamps being produced to show the tax had been paid.
Spanish-American War Begins
On April 21, 1898, Spain ended diplomatic relations with America and the US Navy established a blockade of Cuba, marking the official start of the Spanish-American War. The war would last less than four months, but saw the downfall of the Spanish Empire and the rise of America as a major world power with several new possessions.
Britain Repeals the Stamp Act
On March 18, 1766, British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act. Passed a year earlier, the act had placed a direct tax on the colonies for the first time, leading to widespread boycotts.
Birth of Admiral George Dewey
George Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, on December 26, 1837. A hero of the Civil War and Spanish-American War, he was the first, and to date only, person promoted to Admiral of the Navy.
Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
On August 2, 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 into law. The act required all producers, laboratories, dealers, importers, and doctors to register each year to legally buy and sell marijuana.
Wine Stamps
On October 22, 1914, the Emergency Revenue Act was passed, which called for the creation of Wine Revenue Stamps.
The Revenue Act of 1862
On July 1, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Revenue Act of 1862 into law, to help fund the Civil War.
Playing Card Stamps
On August 1, 1894, a tax was imposed on playing cards as part of the Wilson Bill.