The Civil War Battle of Ball’s Bluff was fought in Loudoun County, Virginia on October 21, 1861. Though a minor battle and loss for the Union, it had some long-lasting effects on the war and some interesting historical connections.
John Dewey was born on October 20, 1859, in Burlington, Vermont. A philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, he proposed educational theories that shaped education in America in the 20th century.
On October 19, 1929, the US Post Office issued a 2¢ commemorative honoring the canalization of the Ohio River. It came as the culmination of over 50 years of work on the project, which was a major engineering feat.
On October 18, 1937, the US Post Office issued the first stamp in a new series honoring the overseas territories of the United States. These stamps chronicled decades of US territorial expansion.
On October 17, 1941, a US ship was attacked and damaged by the Germans for the first time during World War II. This quickly led to escalated tensions and the sinking of the first US ship by the end of the month.
On October 16, 1945, the United Nations created the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Today, this date is celebrated as World Food Day.
On October 15, 1940, the Pitcairn Islands Post Office opened, issuing the colony’s first stamps. These stamps were very popular with collectors and eventually helped support most of the colony’s budget.
On October 14, 1975, the USPS issued its first non-denominated postage stamps. The two Christmas stamps were issued without denominations because the USPS was unsure about an upcoming rate change.
On October 13, 1953, the US Post Office issued a 3¢ stamp honoring the 25th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America. It was issued at the place the organization was founded – Kansas City, Missouri.