Ohio Becomes 17th State
On March 1, 1803, Ohio was admitted as the 17th state of the Union. Named for the Ohio River, the word Ohio comes from the Seneca people, meaning “great river.”
This Day in History
Birth of Linus Pauling
American scientist Linus Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon. He’s the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes, and one of just two people to have the prizes in different fields.
Start of the Literary Arts Series
On February 27, 1979, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Literary Arts Series honoring author John Steinbeck. The series has continued for 45 years, honoring 35 writers from a variety of backgrounds.
Creation of the 15th Amendment
On February 26, 1869, the US Senate passed the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, giving people of all races and colors the right to vote. The Amendment would be ratified and become official US law a year later.
Narcotic Tax Stamps
On February 25, 1919, a Narcotic Tax was officially instated. Initially created to help fund World War I, they remained in use for over 50 years.
The Zimmermann Telegram
On February 24, 1917, British officials shared the Zimmermann Telegram with US President Woodrow Wilson, revealing a German plot to incite a war between the US and Mexico.
Birth of W.E.B. Du Bois
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. A founding member of the NAACP, he was a leading civil rights activist.
Sanitary Fair Stamps
On February 22, 1864, some of the first Sanitary Fair stamps were issued. These stamps raised millions of dollars in funds and supplies for the Civil War.
Malcolm X Assassinated
On February 21, 1965, activist Malcolm X was assassinated in New York City.