This Day In History

On October 7, 1891, coin collectors gathered in Chicago to found the American Numismatic Association. Their goal was practical: to connect people who loved coins but lived too far from major cities to easily find new specimens, reliable information, or fellow collectors.

On October 6, 1683, thirty-three Germans arrived in Pennsylvania to establish the first major German settlement in America. The settlement would go on to become the birthplace of the anti-slavery movement, first bank of the United States, and more.

On October 5, 1813, future president William Henry Harrison defeated a British force and its Indigenous allies at the Battle of the Thames in Upper Canada. The victory restored US control of Detroit and the Michigan Territory, weakened Britain’s position in the western Great Lakes region, and brought the death of Shawnee leader Tecumseh.

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio. He would become president after the nation’s most disputed election of the 19th century, then serve a single term shaped by Reconstruction’s end, civil-service reform, and difficult questions about money, immigration, and racial equality.

On August 22, 1970, the US Post Office issued the first stamp in the American Poet Series. The series honored seven prolific American poets.

On July 17, 1987, the USPS issued its first joint issue with Morocco, commemorating 200 years of diplomatic relations.

On July 7, 1942, the United States issued its first stamp with foreign characters as part of the design. The stamp honored China’s fight against Japan and used a small design detail to show a larger wartime friendship.

On June 17, 1844, Boyd’s City Express Post opened in New York City, offering residents a faster alternative for sending letters across the growing metropolis. Despite decades of government efforts to restrict private mail services, Boyd’s continued making deliveries for more than 40 years.

On October 8, 1871, a devastating wildfire swept through northeastern Wisconsin, destroying entire towns and claiming an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 lives. Known as the Peshtigo Fire, it remains the deadliest wildfire in US history, yet it is often overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire, which began the very same night.

On October 8, 1918, Alvin York became an American hero after single-handedly defeating a German machine gun battalion. For his heroics he earned the Medal of Honor and was called “the greatest civilian soldier” of the War.

Eddie Vernon Rickenbacker was born on October 8, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio. He was America’s leading ace during World War I, with 26 enemy planes shot down.

On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Most famous for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, he was a very influential Founding Father.