West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state. It had formed from the western counties of Virginia which disagreed with the state’s decision to secede during the Civil War.
World War II
Allies Free Rome
On June 4, 1944, Allied troops entered Rome, Italy, freeing it from German control. The city’s liberation came after months of hard fighting over mountains, across rivers, and in bad weather, against strong German defenses.
First Successful Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight
On May 24, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter. Sikorsky developed the world’s first mass-produced helicopter and one of the first American helicopters used in World War II.
Birth of Harry Truman
President Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri on May 8, 1884. America’s 33rd president, he led America through the final months of WWII and the early years of the Cold War.
American Scientists Series
On May 4, 2005, the USPS issued the first set of stamps in the American Scientists Series.
Happy Birthday Tito Puente
American musician and songwriter Tito Puente was born on April 20, 1923, in New York City, New York.
Birth of General Joseph Stilwell
Joseph Warren Stilwell was born on March 19, 1883 in Palatka, Florida. “Uncle Joe” served and led with distinction during World War I and II, earning some of the military’s highest honors.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Better known as Dr. Seuss, he created some of America’s most popular children’s books and memorable characters still beloved today.
Birth of Linus Pauling
American scientist Linus Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon. He’s the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes, and one of just two people to have the prizes in different fields.