Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway
On April 25, 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway was nearly as ambitious as the Panama Canal project.
Transportation
The Titanic Sinks
One of the most well known maritime disasters in history occurred on April 14, 1912, when the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank.
Boat Stamps Issued
On April 1, 1960, the US issued two boat stamps for use on motorboat applications. The stamps were part of an effort to promote boating safety in collaboration with the Coast Guard.
Birth of Casey Jones
Train engineer Jonathon Luther Jones was born on March 14, 1863, in Missouri. He later became an American folk hero after sacrificing his own life to save his passengers.
Parents Mail Children Through Parcel Post
On February 19, 1914, parents in Idaho took advantage of the affordable Parcel Post rate to mail their daughter to her grandmother’s house. It was one of several instances of people mailing children using stamps.
New Jersey Becomes 3rd State
On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the Constitution and join the Union.
America’s First Automobile Race
On November 28, 1895, the Chicago Times-Herald Race was held between six cars. It was America’s first automobile race.
Birth of Robert Fulton
Engineer and inventor Robert Fulton was born on November 14, 1765, in Little Britain, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He’s best known for developing the first commercially viable steamboat, though he also patented several other inventions during his lifetime.
First Public Steam Engine Railroad
On September 27, 1825, the Stockton-Darlington Railway inaugurated its first steam engine-powered trip, carrying passengers and coal. The success of that trip proved the rails could be used for transporting more than coal and helped to popularize steam locomotives in Europe and the US.