Dedication of World’s Columbian Exposition
On October 21, 1892, Chicago held the dedication ceremony for the World’s Columbian Exposition, which officially opened to the public the following May.
This Day in History
Death of Herbert Hoover
On October 20, 1964, America’s 31st president, Herbert Hoover died.
U.S. Takes Possession of Puerto Rico
On October 18, 1898, U.S. troops raised the American flag over Puerto Rico, marking the start of US possession of the island.
Burgoyne Surrenders At Saratoga
On October 17, 1777, British General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga – one of the major American victories of the American Revolution.
John Paul II Elected Pope
On October 16, 1978, Karol Jozef Wojtyla was selected as Pope of the Catholic Church.
Did an 11-Year-Old Girl Convince Lincoln To Grow A Beard?
On October 15, 1860, 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Republican presidential nominee Abraham Lincoln. She suggested he grow a beard – which he did shortly after!
Happy Birthday Winnie-the-Pooh
On October 14, 1926, A.A. Milne published the first collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories.
Happy Birthday Rutherford Hayes
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio.
Special Delivery Service Begins
On October 1, 1885, the Special Delivery service was first available and the first stamp, US #E1, went on sale.