This Day In History

On September 30, 1889, the first building of the Mayo Clinic opened to the public. Today its one of the world’s largest medical centers and the top-ranked hospital in the US.

On September 29, 1910, Winslow Homer died at Prouts Neck, Maine, after a career that helped define American art. He began as a magazine illustrator, but his paintings and watercolors came to portray war, work, childhood, and the sea with unusual clarity and force.

On September 28, 1990, the US Postal Service issued two stamps commemorating the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The stamps marked a relationship that recognized the two Pacific territories as self-governing and sovereign while maintaining close ties with the United States.

On September 27, 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book that challenged Americans to consider what happened after pesticides were sprayed. Drawing on scientific studies, government records, and reports from affected communities, Carson argued that chemicals meant to kill insects could also disrupt entire ecosystems.

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 1, 1885, the Special Delivery service was first available and the first stamp, US #E1, went on sale. The service provided the immediate delivery of a letter within one mile of any other Special Delivery post office.

On October 1, 1981, the USPS began its very first National Stamp Collecting Month. Four years later, they began issuing stamps to help promote National Stamp Collecting Month, a tradition that continues today.

On October 1, 1896, Rural Free Delivery was introduced in a handful of West Virginia towns. Rural free delivery made the mail faster, more convenient, and more valuable, bringing our nation together like never before.

On October 1, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to drivers. Measuring 160-miles at the time of its opening, it’s considered the first superhighway in the US and helped inspire other state turnpikes and America’s Interstate Highway System.