Spanish Found First Mission in California
On July 16, 1769, Franciscan friar Junipero Serra founded California’s first Catholic mission.
This Day in History
First U.S.-Soviet Joint Issue Stamps
On July 15, 1975, the US and Soviet Union each issued stamps honoring the launch of their Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, their first joint space venture.
First Stamp with Pre-Announced First Day of Issue
On July 12, 1922, the U.S. Post Office Department issued its first stamp with an announced first day of issue. Prior to this event, the Post Office Department didn’t usually designate specific dates for the issue of new stamps.
Allied Invasion of Sicily
On July 10, 1943, the Allies launched their successful invasion of Sicily, dubbed Operation Husky.
Ernest Hemingway Wounded in WWI
On July 8, 1918, author Ernest Hemingway was wounded while serving with the Red Cross on the Italian Front in World War I.
Happy Birthday, George Cohan!
The father of American musical comedy, George Michael Cohan was born on July 3, 1878, in Providence, Rhode Island. The son of traveling Vaudeville performers, Cohan joined his parents on stage when he was just a baby. Cohan learned to dance and sing shortly after learning to walk and talk. Along with his parents and sister, the family toured under the name The Four Cohans, with George writing skits and songs in his teens.
Teachers of America Issue
On July 1, 1957, the Teachers of America stamp was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Education Association (NEA). The stamp was issued in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the site where the NEA was founded 100 years earlier.
Custer’s Last Stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn
On June 25, 1876, Civil War hero George A. Custer died at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Start of the Battle of Cold Harbor
On May 31, 1864, forces assembled in Virginia for the bloody Battle of Cold Harbor.