Death of President Lincoln
On April 15, 1865, President Lincoln died less than 12 hours after being shot by John Wilkes Booth. He was the first US president to be assassinated, just as the Civil War was drawing to a close.
American History
USS Holland
On April 11, 1900, the US Navy acquired the USS Holland, their first modern commissioned submarine.
ASPCA
On April 10, 1866, Henry Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The first animal welfare organization in North America, it remains committed to sheltering abandoned animals and offering adoption programs, among other services.
Lee Surrenders at Appomattox
On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The respect both men showed toward each other led the surrender to be called “The Gentlemen’s Agreement.”
Movie Stars Hit Streets to Sell War Bonds
On April 8, 1918, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks held a war bond drive on Wall Street to bolster support for the war effort.
USPS Introduces Nature of America Series
On April 6, 1999, the USPS issued the first stamp sheet in its 12-year Nature of America series. This popular series featured the first US self-adhesive sheets designed as one large scene.
Consular Service Fee Stamps
On April 5, 1906, Congress passed a law calling for the creation of Consular Service Fee stamps. The act also reorganized the consular service to dissuade dishonesty and help keep more accurate records.
American Revolution Sesquicentennial
On April 4, 1925, the US Post Office issued the first three stamps in a multi-year series honoring important events and people from the American Revolution. The stamps were issued for the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of the Revolution.
Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden
On April 3, 1783, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Sweden, the first such treaty between the US and a country that wasn’t an ally in the Revolutionary War.