The Knox Expedition
On December 5, 1775, Continental Army Colonel Henry Knox reached Fort Ticonderoga in preparation for his “noble train of artillery.” Arriving in Boston 10 weeks later, he delivered much-needed weapons to George Washington.
This Day in History
Founding of the National Grange
On December 4, 1867, Oliver Hudson Kelley established the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. The Grange organized America’s farmers into a powerful political and economic group that lobbied for “Granger Laws.”
The Grand Union Flag
On December 3, 1775, the Grand Union flag was reportedly flown for the first time. It was also the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel.
Statue of Freedom Completed
On December 2, 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the US Capitol to a 35-gun salute. The ceremony was held in the midst of the Civil War – President Lincoln had insisted the Capitol be completed as a symbol of American unity.
War Savings Stamps Issued to Fund WWI
On December 1, 1917, first War Savings Stamp available for immediate use, WS1, was issued. In less than two years, more than $1.1 billion in stamps was sold.
First U.S. Savings Stamp
On November 30, 1954, the Post Office Department issued its first Savings Stamp, #S1. The savings stamps program was created to encourage savings and thrift among American schoolchildren.
California’s First Civil Settlement
On November 29, 1777, the first non-military and non-missionary settlement in California was established as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe in Alta, California.
First Grand Ole Opry Performance
On November 28, 1925, the Grand Ole Opry was founded as the WSM Barn Dance. The longest-running American radio broadcast, it’s been called the Home of American Music and Country’s Most Famous Stage.
Founding of CARE
On November 27, 1945, Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) was formed. Initially established to aid Europeans in the wake of WWII, it’s still in operation today, helping over 250 million people.