This Day In History

Today, June 4th

Recent stories…

#CSA1 - 1861 5c Confederate States,Jefferson Davis, green, soft paper, imperforate stamp
June 3, 1808

Birth of Jefferson Davis 

Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, was born on June 3, 1808, in Fairview, Kentucky.

Read Article
# 1744 - 1978 13c Black Heritage: Harriet Tubman
June 2, 1863

Raid on Combahee Ferry

On June 2, 1863, Harriet Tubman helped lead a daring Union raid on South Carolina’s Combahee Ferry. The raid succeeded in capturing supplies, damaging Confederate defenses, and freeing over 750 people.

Read Article
# 2967 - 1995 32c Legends of Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe
June 1, 1995

Legends of Hollywood Series

On June 1, 1995, the USPS issued the first stamp in its long-running Legends of Hollywood Series. The stamp, honoring Marilyn Monroe, was the best-selling stamp of the year.

Read Article
#867 - 1940 Famous Americans: 5c Walt Whitman
May 31, 1819

Happy Birthday Walt Whitman 

Acclaimed poet Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Considered one of the most influential American poets, he’s also been called the father of free verse.

Read Article

More World War II stories…

1988 36c Igor Sikorsky Airmail
May 24, 1940

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.

Read Article
1862 - 1984 20c Great Americans: Harry S. Truman
May 8, 1884

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.

Read Article
#3906
2005 37c American Scientist: Barbara McClintock
May 4, 2005

American Scientists Series

On May 4, 2005, the USPS issued the first set of stamps in the American Scientists Series.

Read Article
#4497 - 2011 First-Class Forever Stamp, Latin Music Legends: Tito Puente
April 20, 1923

Happy Birthday Tito Puente 

American musician and songwriter Tito Puente was born on April 20, 1923, in New York City, New York.

Read Article

More stories from June 4th…

1979 15¢ American Architecture
June 4, 1979

American Architecture Series

On June 4, 1979, the USPS issued the first block of four stamps in the American Architecture Series, which honors the evolution of American architecture over the last two centuries.

Read Article
# 2530 - 1991 19c Hot-Air Balloon, booklet single
June 4, 1783

First Public Hot Air Balloon Demonstration 

On June 4, 1783, the Montgolfier brothers staged the first successful public hot air balloon demonstration, sparking interest and rapid advancements.

Read Article
#1165 - 1960 4c Champions of Liberty: Gustaf Mannerheim
June 4, 1867

Birth of Gustaf Mannerheim

Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was born on June 4, 1867, in Askainen, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire. A soldier, statesman, Marshal and President of Finland, Mannerheim led his countrymen though multiple wars, and is sometimes called the father of modern Finland.

Read Article
907 - 1943 2c Nations United for Victory
June 4, 1940

The Miracle of Dunkirk 

On June 4, 1940, over 338,000 Allied troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk after being cut off and surrounded there for weeks.

Read Article

Love history?

Discover events in American history – plus the stamps that make them come alive.

Subscribe to get This Day in History stories straight to your inbox every day!