The Grand Union Flag
On December 3, 1775, the Grand Union flag was reportedly flown for the first time. It was also the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel.
American History
Statue of Freedom Completed
On December 2, 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the US Capitol to a 35-gun salute. The ceremony was held in the midst of the Civil War – President Lincoln had insisted the Capitol be completed as a symbol of American unity.
California’s First Civil Settlement
On November 29, 1777, the first non-military and non-missionary settlement in California was established as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in Alta, California.
Founding of CARE
On November 27, 1945, Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) was formed. Initially established to aid Europeans in the wake of WWII, it’s still in operation today, helping over 250 million people.
Happy Birthday Andrew Carnegie
On November 25, 1835, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. He is often considered to be a symbol of the American dream – an immigrant that came to America and found success, and later shared his riches to help others.
Happy Birthday Scott Joplin
While Scott Joplin’s exact birthdate is unknown, it’s often considered to be November 24, 1868, as shown on his tombstone. Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime Writers,” known for hits such as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer.”
Happy Birthday Boris Karloff
Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. Karloff appeared in more than 170 films during his career, becoming a horror icon for his memorable performances in Frankenstein and The Mummy.
China Clipper Inaugurates Trans-Pacific Airmail
On November 22, 1935, the China Clipper made its first airmail voyage across the Pacific Ocean. The first-ever transpacific airmail journey, it carried over 110,000 pieces of mail.
Start of the Prominent Americans Series
On November 19, 1965, the U.S. Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring Prominent Americans. The series included several “firsts” and technological changes.