Truman Doctrine
On March 12, 1947, President Harry S. Truman introduced his Truman Doctrine, a foreign policy aimed at reducing Soviet expansion during the Cold War.
This Day in History
Olympic Stamps Removed from Sale
On March 11, 1980, the USPS removed all the stamps it had issued for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Moscow from sale as part of an American boycott of the games. According the USPS, this was the first time they removed stamps from sale for political reasons since the Civil War.
American Scenes & American Transportation Series
On March 10, 1995, the USPS issued the first stamps in two new definitive series – American Scenes and American Transportation. These stamps were created as part of the USPS process of converting its service-inscribed stamps for discounted bulk mail to non-denominational postage.
Street Mailbox Patented
On March 9, 1858, iron manufacturer Albert Potts of Philadelphia patented an early mail collection box. His mailbox was affixed to a lamp post for the convenience of mailers.
Birth of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was born on March 8, 1841, in Boston, Massachusetts. Known as “The Great Dissenter,” he is one of the best-known American judges, serving on the Supreme Court for 30 years.
Alexander Graham Bell Patents Telephone
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone. Three days later, Bell transmitted the first recognizable words over a telephone line.
Remember the Alamo!
On March 6, 1836, the Battle of the Alamo came to an end. “Remember the Alamo!” became the battle cry of the Texas independence struggle.
Birth of Howard Pyle
Illustrator and author Howard Pyle was born on March 5, 1853, in Wilmington, Delaware. Illustrating many of his own books, he’s often credited with creating the modern depiction of flamboyantly dressed pirates.
Constitution Takes Effect
On March 4, 1789, the US Congress met for the first time under the terms of the recently ratified US Constitution. March 4th would remain a significant date for many years as it would be the last day of Congress’ two-year sessions and the day presidents were inaugurated.