Start of the America Series
On October 12, 1989, the USPS issued the first stamp in the America Series. The stamp series was a collaboration between the 24 Western Hemisphere countries in the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS).
This Day in History
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Battle of Valcour Island
On October 11, 1776, the Continental Navy participated in one of its first naval battles of the Revolutionary War at Valcour Bay. While they were forced to retreat, they succeeded in delaying British plans for the upper Hudson River valley.
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US Naval Academy Opened
Decades after America’s first ships took to the oceans to defend its interests, the US Naval Academy was opened on October 10, 1845. USNA graduates have participated in every major US conflict since the Mexican-American War.
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First U.S.-China Joint Issue
On October 9, 1994, the USPS released its first joint-issue stamps with China. The stamps picture two different species of cranes – one from each country.
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Alvin York’s WWI Heroics
On October 8, 1918, Alvin York became an American hero after single-handedly defeating a German machine gun battalion. For his heroics he earned the Medal of Honor and was called “the greatest civilian soldier” of the War.
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Stamp Act Congress Meets To Protest Unfair Taxation
In response to Parliament’s Stamp Act of 1765, American colonists assembled in New York City on October 7 to organize a unified protest. The Stamp Act Congress is often considered one of the first organized political actions of the American Revolution.
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Franklin Arrives in Philadelphia
On October 6, 1723, a 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin first arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He eventually became a prominent publisher and made many contributions to the city, earning the nickname, “The first citizen of Philadelphia.”
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Happy Birthday Chester A. Arthur
America’s 21st president, Chester Alan Arthur was born October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. He instituted major civil service reform, despite rising to prominence in part through the old patronage system.
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Start of Modern FDC Collecting
On October 4, 1922, an 11¢ Hayes stamp was issued on a specific date in a specific city for the first time. Many consider this to be the start of modern First Day Cover Collecting.
