Revolutionary War

1875 5¢ Franklin imperf.
May 10, 1876

Centennial International Exhibition 

On May 10, 1876, the first official World’s Fair in the United States was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The fair also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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1934 3¢ Maryland Tercentenary
April 28, 1788

Maryland Becomes Seventh U.S. State 

On April 28, 1788, Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the US Constitution, an act that admitted it as America’s seventh state.

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1940 5¢ Daniel Chester French
April 20, 1850

Birth of Daniel Chester French 

Daniel Chester French was born on April 20, 1850, in Exeter, New Hampshire. French made over 100 statues, memorials, sculptures and reliefs during his career, most notably the statue at the center of the Lincoln Memorial and the Concord Minuteman.

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1982 20¢ US and Netherlands Relations
April 19, 1782

US-Netherlands Relations

On April 19, 1782, John Adams secured recognition from the Dutch Republic of the United States as an independent government. This marked the start of one of America’s longest unbroken peaceful relationships with another nation.

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1955 3¢ Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
April 15, 1741

Birth of Charles Willson Peale 

Artist Charles Willson Peale was born on April 15, 1741, in Chester, Province of Maryland. A prolific artist from the Revolutionary era, he painted more than 1,100 portraits, including several of George Washington.

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1894 $2 Madison, unwatermarked
March 16, 1751

Happy Birthday, James Madison

James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia. One of America’s Founding Fathers and the fourth US president, Madison is considered the “Father of the US Constitution” and led America through the War of 1812.

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1946 3¢ US Armed Forces: Merchant Marine
March 15, 1938

Merchant Marines

On March 15, 1938, the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps was established.  Merchant Marines transport cargo and passengers in peacetime and are called upon in times of war to deliver troops and supplies wherever needed.

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1998 1¢ Weather Vane
February 5, 1744

National Weatherpersons Day

February 5 is celebrated annually as National Weatherpersons Day in honor of Dr. John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers. National Weatherpersons Day is held on February 5 to mark Jeffries’s birthday in 1744.

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1976 Washington Crosses the Delaware S/S
December 25, 1776

Washington Crosses the Delaware

On the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington led his men across the Delaware River in a surprise attack on the British. Their victory at Trenton was a significant morale booster – encouraging troops to reenlist and convincing new recruits to join the fight.

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