Return of Official Mail Stamps
On January 12, 1983, Official Mail stamps were issued for the first time in 72 years. They were created to increase government postage accountability and remained in use until 2009.
This Day in History
Birth of Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1755 (or 57 – the year is unknown), in Nevis in the British West Indies. He was a hero of the Revolutionary War and first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
First Stamp with Mr. Zip in the Selvage
On January 10, 1964, Mr. Zip first appeared in the selvage of a stamp sheet honoring Texas icon Sam Houston. Created to help promote the use of ZIP Codes, he appeared in the selvage of more than 350 stamp sheets over 20 years.
First Definitive U.S. Flag Stamp
On January 9, 1963, the US Post Office issued its first definitive stamp to feature the US flag as its main subject, flying over the White House. This began a long-running tradition of “flag over…” stamps.
Birth of William Piper
William Thomas Piper was born on January 8, 1881, in Knapp Creek, New York. He developed the popular and inexpensive Piper Cub and became known as the “Henry Ford of Aviation.”
Birth of Zora Neale Hurston
Novelist and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was a prolific writer, credited with accurately documenting the lives of everyday working black families in the Deep South during the Depression.
Birth of Danny Thomas
Performer and philanthropist Danny Thomas was born Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, Michigan. In addition to his successful performing career, Thomas was the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Construction Begins on Golden Gate Bridge
On January 5, 1933, the four-year construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in San Francisco Bay. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and has been called a “Wonder of the World” structure.
Utah Becomes 45th State
On January 4, 1896, Utah became a US state. Statehood was finally achieved after several attempts over more than 45 years.