Civil War-Era Stamps Enter Usage
On August 17, 1861, the first of several Civil War-era stamps was used for the first time. New stamps were prepared to prevent the South from profiting off the sale of US stamps.
This Day in History
US and Canada Sign Migratory Bird Treaty
On August 16, 1916, the US and Canada signed the first Migratory Bird Treaty to protect the birds that live in both nations. Several programs came out of this agreement that has helped to save hundreds of species of migratory birds.
Birth of Gerty Cori
Biochemist Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori was born on August 15, 1896, in Prague, Austro-Hungarian Empire. She was the first woman to earn a Nobel Prize In Physiology or Medicine.
Oregon Territory Established
On August 14, 1848, the Oregon Territory was established. It would be another 11 years before the territory achieved statehood.
First U.S. Grilled Stamp
August 13, 1867, marks the earliest known use of the first stamp produced with a grill, US #79. Grills were added to stamps to prevent their reuse.
First U.S. Express Mail Stamp
On August 12, 1983, the USPS issued its first Express mail stamp, though the service, and those like it, had been available for several years.
Death of Edith Wharton
Noted author Edith Wharton died on August 11, 1937. Best known for her novel The Age of Innocence, she was the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Joshua Tree National Monument
On August 10, 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt used the power of the 1906 Antiquities Act to create Joshua Tree National Monument. Decades later, the trees received additional protection when the area was made into a national park.
Gerald Ford Inaugurated Following Watergate
On August 9, 1974, Gerald Ford was inaugurated president following Richard Nixon’s resignation. Ford was the first person to serve as both vice president and president without winning election to either office.