This Day In History

Today, September 20th

Recent stories…

1958 4¢ Lajos Kossuth
September 19, 1802

Birth of Lajos Kossuth  

Hungarian lawyer, statesman, and Governor-President Lajos Kossuth was born on September 19, 1802, in Monok, Kingdom of Hungary. Working for the independence of Hungary from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, he gained international acclaim and respect as a freedom fighter.

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 U.S. #3167 was issued 20 years ago today. Click the image to learn more about the U.S. Air Force.
September 18, 1997

First U.S. Stamp with Scrambled Indicia

On September 18, 1997, the USPS issued the US Air Force stamp, the first US stamp to have a hidden image using Scrambled Indicia.

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 U.S. #3190a – Click the image to read more about the shuttle program.
September 17, 1976

NASA Unveils Enterprise 

On September 17, 1976, America’s first space shuttle, the Enterprise, made its debut public appearance.

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 US #1281 was issued on Parkman’s 144th birthday.  Click image to order.
September 16, 1823

Birth of Francis Parkman 

American historian Francis Parkman was born on September 16, 1823, in Boston, Massachusetts. His books have often been praised as both useful historical texts and enjoyable literature.

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More Postal History stories…

 U.S. #3167 was issued 20 years ago today. Click the image to learn more about the U.S. Air Force.
September 18, 1997

First U.S. Stamp with Scrambled Indicia

On September 18, 1997, the USPS issued the US Air Force stamp, the first US stamp to have a hidden image using Scrambled Indicia.

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1988 25¢ Honeybee Coil Stamp
September 2, 1988

First U.S. Combination-Process Coil

On September 2, 1988, the USPS issued its first coil stamp printed by two totally different procedures. The Honeybee stamp was lithographed and engraved.

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1923 2¢ Harding, black, perf 11
September 1, 1923

First Modern First Day Cover 

On September 1, 1923, George Linn produced the first cacheted First Day Covers, giving birth to the modern FDC industry.

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2000 10¢ Distinguished Americans: General Joseph W. Stilwell
August 24, 2000

Start of the Distinguished Americans Series 

On August 24, 2000, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Distinguished Americans Series. Over the course of more than two decades, the series has honored 20 Americans from all walks of life.

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More stories from September 20th…

1972 14¢ Fiorello H. LaGuardia
September 20, 1947

Death of Fiorello La Guardia 

On September 20, 1947, former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia died.  Voted the best former mayor in America, he fought corruption and revitalized the city.

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1983 20¢ Science and Industry stamp
September 20, 1848

American Association for the Advancement of Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) was founded on September 20, 1848, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It grew to become the world’s largest general scientific society with more than 120,000 members.

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 US #B4 – pictures an Amur tiger
September 20, 2011

Save Vanishing Species Stamp 

On September 20, 2011, the USPS issued its fourth Semipostal stamp, which raises money for wildlife conservation.

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 US #2975 – Click the image to read about all the subjects on this sheet.
September 20, 1863

Battle of Chickamauga 

On September 20, 1863, the first major battle fought in Georgia, the bloody Battle of Chickamauga, came to a close.

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