Start of the Prominent Americans Series
On November 19, 1965, the U.S. Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring Prominent Americans. The series included several “firsts” and technological changes.
This Day in History
-
-
America Institutes First National Time Zones
On November 18, 1883, US and Canadian railroad companies jointly adopted five standard continental time zones. It was called The Day of Two Noons, with railroads resetting their clocks at exactly the same time across the country.
-
Birth of Artist Isamu Noguchi
On November 17, 1904, Isamu Noguchi was born in Los Angeles, California. He was a world-renowned artist known for his large-scale sculptures found around the globe.
-
Happy Birthday, W.C. Handy
Composer and musician William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He called himself the “Father of the Blues” for his role in popularizing the style on a national level.
-
First U.S. Self-Adhesive Stamp
On November 15, 1974, the USPS issued its first experimental self-adhesive stamp. It would take two decades to perfect the innovation, and another decade before nearly all US stamps were self-adhesive.
-
First Streetcar in America
On November 14, 1832, the John Mason was inaugurated as the first streetcar service in America. It was more comfortable, affordable, efficient, and faster than other vehicles of the da
-
Dedication of Vietnam Veterans Memorial
On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, DC. It stands as a tribute to the thousands of Americans who gave their lives in the conflict.
-
Voyager 1 Approaches Saturn
On November 12, 1980, the Voyager 1 space probe made its closest approach to Saturn. The probe is still traveling today and is estimated to be about 15 billion miles from Earth.
-
Birth of General George Patton
George Smith Patton Jr. was born on November 11, 1885, in San Gabriel, California. Nicknamed, “Old Blood and Guts,” he led US troops to several important WWII victories.
