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.
On October 6, 1723, a 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin first arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He eventually became a prominent publisher and made many contributions to the city, earning the nickname, “The first citizen of Philadelphia.”
America’s 21st president, Chester Alan Arthur was born October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. He instituted major civil service reform, despite rising to prominence in part through the old patronage system.
On October 4, 1922, an 11¢ Hayes stamp was issued on a specific date in a specific city for the first time. Many consider this to be the start of modern First Day Cover Collecting.
On October 3, 1985, the Space Shuttle Atlantis made its maiden flight. Atlantis remained in service for 26 years, flying 33 missions, including the final space shuttle mission in 2011.
Poet Wallace Stevens was born on October 2, 1879, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Considered Stevens the “best and most representative” American poet of his era, he earned multiple awards, including the 1955 Pulitzer Prize.
On September 25, 1920, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was officially established as a national social welfare organization. The organization provides millions of dollars in support for disabled veterans.
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.”
On September 19, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led an irate group of followers into Jamestown and burned nearly all the buildings to the ground. Bacon’s rebellion and the burning of Jamestown are considered precursors to the American Revolution.