US Naval Academy Opened
Decades after America’s first ships took to the oceans to defend its interests, the US Naval Academy was opened on October 10, 1845. USNA graduates have participated in every major US conflict since the Mexican-American War.
Revolutionary War
Stamp Act Congress Meets To Protest Unfair Taxation
In response to Parliament’s Stamp Act of 1765, American colonists assembled in New York City on October 7 to organize a unified protest. The Stamp Act Congress is often considered one of the first organized political actions of the American Revolution.
Hanging of Patriot Nathan Hale
After being discovered as an American spy behind enemy lines, Nathan Hale was hanged on September 22, 1776. Just 21 years old at the time, he famously said, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Birth Of Marquis de Lafayette
On September 6, 1757, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette was born in Chavaniac, in Haute Loire, France to a wealthy family. He became known as the “Hero to two worlds” after joining in the American Revolution.
Battle of Fallen Timbers
On August 20, 1794, General “Mad Anthony” Wayne led American troops to victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. The win enabled the Treaty of Greenville and the US acquisition of the Ohio Territory.
American Victory at Oriskany
On August 6, 1777, American troops under General Nicholas Herkimer claimed victory at the Battle of Oriskany. The battle sparked a war between the British’s Native American allies and prevented them from reaching Albany.
Birth of Bernardo de Gálvez
Bernardo Vicente de Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez, was born on July 25, 1746, in Macharaviaya, Málaga, Spain. A hero of the Revolutionary War, he later served as Spanish Governor of Louisiana and Viceroy of New Spain.
Death Of Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman, the only man in US history to sign America’s four most important documents (the Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution) died on July 23, 1793.
Start of the Bicentennial Series
On July 4, 1971, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Bicentennial Series. Over the course of six years, the USPS issued 113 commemorative stamps honoring the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution.