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.
This Day in History
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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.
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Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
On October 3, 1985, the Space Shuttle Atlantis made its maiden flight. Atlantis remained in service for 26 years, flying 33 missions, including the final space shuttle mission in 2011.
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Birth of Wallace Stevens
Poet Wallace Stevens was born on October 2, 1879, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Considered Stevens the “best and most representative” American poet of his era, he earned multiple awards, including the 1955 Pulitzer Prize.
