Battle of White Plains
On October 28, 1776, George Washington led the 14,000–man Continental Army in the Battle of White Plains against British General William Howe’s 20,000 redcoats.
American History
First Major Sanitary Fair
On October 27, 1863, the first major Sanitary Fair was held to raise money during the Civil War. Special stamps were produced and sold at these fairs, which were not valid for use outside of the fairs.
Benjamin Davis Becomes First African American General In The U.S. Army
On October 25, 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was appointed the first African American general in US Army. He was a driving force behind the desegregation of the Army, which was finally achieved just days after his retirement.
West Virgina Votes to Secede from Virginia
On October 24, 1861, the people of West Virginia voted to secede from the Confederate state of Virginia. They would achieve statehood less than tow years later.
National Marine Sanctuaries
On October 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed legislation establishing the National Marine Sanctuary Program. This program protects and manages over 783,000 square miles of aquatic areas in and around the US.
New River Gorge Bridge
On October 22, 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge opened to motorists in West Virginia. The longest single-span arch bridge and highest roadway bridge in the world at the time of its completion, it cut a treacherous 45 minute drive down to just one minute.
Birth of Ursula K. Le Guin
Author Ursula Kroeber Le Guin was born on October 21, 1929, in Berkeley, California. A pioneer in American science fiction writing, she won numerous distinguished awards for her novels, short stories, and teen and children’s books.
Birth of Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was born on October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Considered the best switch hitter in history, he was a Triple Crown winner, won seven World Series, and was a three-time MVP.
U.S. Places Embargo on Cuban Goods
On October 19, 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the first embargo on Cuba. It banned most US exports to Cuba, including postage stamps!