Texas Admitted to the Union
On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted as America’s 28th state. Texas joined the US after 10 years as an independent republic.
This Day in History
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Endangered Species Act
On December 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law in an effort to protect threatened species from extinction.
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Great Americans Series
On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series.
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The First Kwanzaa
On December 26, 1966, Maulana Karenga celebrated the first Kwanzaa. With its fusion of ancient African practices and African-American ideals and aspirations, Kwanzaa is a non-denominational celebration.
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Birth of Clara Barton
Clara Barton was born on December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” during the Civil War and later founded the American Red Cross.
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Birth of Kit Carson
Christopher Houston Carson was born December 24, 1809, in Richmond, Kentucky. Better known as Kit Carson, his contributions to the westward expansion of the United States rank him as one of the nation’s great folk heroes.
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Pilgrim Tercentenary Issue
On December 21, 1920, the US Post Office Department issued a set of three stamps honoring the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
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Washington Winters at Valley Forge
From December 19, 1777, to June 18, 1778, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, camped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
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Premiere of The Nutcracker Ballet
On December 18, 1892, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Despite initial poor reviews, today it’s a holiday staple for millions.
