Happy Birthday, John Adams!
John Adams was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, on October 30, 1735. Adams was America’s first vice president and second president.
American History
Birth of Dr. Jonas Salk
Jonas Edward Salk was born on October 28, 1914, in New York, New York. He developed the first effective polio vaccine, helping to save lives around the world.
Opening of the Erie Canal
On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal opened, offering a quicker shipping route through New York’s waterways. The canal opened the West to settlement and New York City became the largest port city in the United States.
The Guggenheim Opens to the Public
On October 21, 1959, one of the world’s most renowned museums, the Guggenheim, opened in New York City.
Birth of Charles Ives
Composer Charles Edward Ives was born on October 20, 1874, in Danbury, Connecticut. Though his music was largely unknown during his lifetime, he was later regarded as the leading composer of 20th-century art music.
NYC’s Lost Washington Monument
On October 19, 1847, a grand celebration proceeded the laying of the cornerstone of New York City’s planned 425-foot Washington Monument. The monument was never completed and the cornerstone was lost to time.
Legends of the West Controversy
On October 18, 1994, the USPS issued a corrected Legends of the West stamp sheet after it was discovered they had made an error in their original design. It was one of the biggest stamp stories in years!
2nd U.S. International Philatelic Exhibition
On October 16, 1926, the US hosted its second international philatelic exhibition in New York, New York. Among the show’s highlights was the issue of America’s first souvenir sheet.
White House Cornerstone Laid
On October 13, 1792, the cornerstone of the White House was laid, though its exact location remains a mystery today. It would be eight years before the White House was occupied by America’s second president.