American History

1967 13¢ Prominent Americans: John F. Kennedy
September 26, 1960

America’s First Televised Presidential Debate

On September 26, 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took part in America’s first televised debate, which revealed just how important this growing medium would be on future politics.

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1909 2¢ Hudson-Fulton Celebration: Half Moon and Clermont
September 25, 1909

The Hudson-Fulton Celebration 

On September 25, 1909, the Hudson-Fulton Celebration opened in New York and New Jersey. The celebration marked the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River as well as the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s first successful commercial paddle steamship.

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1894 $5 Marshall, unwatermarked
September 24, 1755

Happy Birthday, John Marshall

America’s longest-serving chief justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall, was born on September 24, 1755, in Germantown, Virginia. 

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1948 3¢ Gold Star Mothers
September 21, 1948

Gold Star Mothers Stamp 

On September 21, 1948, the US Post Office issued the Gold Star Mothers stamp to honor mothers whose sons had been killed in war. It was the first stamp in eight years to feature women (or women’s organizations), and just the 11th stamp overall to do so.

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 US #1281 was issued on Parkman’s 144th birthday.  Click image to order.
September 16, 1823

Birth of Francis Parkman 

American historian Francis Parkman was born on September 16, 1823, in Boston, Massachusetts. His books have often been praised as both useful historical texts and enjoyable literature.

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1991 29¢ Jan E. Matzeliger
September 15, 1852

Birth of Jan Matzeliger

Inventor Jan Matzeliger was born on September 15, 1852, in Paramaribo, Dutch Guyana (present-day Surinam).  He invented a device that is considered “the most important invention for New England” and the “greatest step forward in the shoe industry.” 

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 2017 JFK 100th Birth Anniv-Moon Landing
September 12, 1962

“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech

On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered one of his most famous and stirring speeches, to generate support for the Apollo program.

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2000 33¢ Brandywine Flag
September 11, 1777

Washington Defeated at Brandywine

On September 11, 1777, George Washington’s forces lost the battle of Brandywine. It was the largest battle of the war, involving over 30,000 troops between both sides, and it was the second-longest single-day battle, lasting 11 hours.

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1940 Famous Americans: 5¢ Elias Howe
September 10, 1846

Elias Howe Patents First Lockstitch Sewing Machine 

After eight years of tinkering, Elias Howe was awarded the first US patent for a practical lockstitch sewing machine on September 10, 1846.

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