This Day In History

On December 2, 1980, President Jimmy Carter established Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Today the park is part of one of the world’s largest international protected areas.

On December 1, 1921, the US Post Office Department opened its Philatelic Agency in Washington, DC, to the benefit of stamp collectors. It became a valuable resource for stamp information and fulfilled requests for stamps – and was sometimes the only place to get certain issues!

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in New York City. The first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s presidential nomination, Chisholm built her career on courage, independence, and a fearless commitment to justice.

On November 29, 1944, the War Department officially adopted the Honorable Discharge Emblem, a small but meaningful symbol worn by millions of service members returning home from World War II. For many veterans, it represented not only their service, but also their safe return after years of sacrifice.

On December 2, 1980, President Jimmy Carter established Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Today the park is part of one of the world’s largest international protected areas.

On November 21, 1789, North Carolina was admitted as the 12th state of the union. It had been the first state to reject the Constitution, but finally ratified after the Bill of Rights was created.

On November 16, 1907, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory were merged to create the state of Oklahoma. The new state emerged at a moment of rapid change, blending Native nations, frontier settlements, and booming oil discoveries into one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in early 20th-century America.

On November 11, 1889, Washington was admitted to the Union. Ever since, it has stood at the forefront of exploration, commerce, and progress in the American West.

On December 3, 1755, Gilbert Stuart was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island Colony. A prolific American artist, he painted more than 1,000 people, including our first six presidents. Several of his portraits have appeared on US stamps – and even the $1 bill!

On December 3, 1775, the Grand Union flag was reportedly flown for the first time. It was also the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel.

Elvis’s famed ’68 Comeback Special aired on NBC on December 3, 1968.  The show was a huge success, establishing that Elvis was again on top of the music world. 

Sir Rowland Hill was born on December 3, 1795, in Kidderminster, England. Hill revolutionized the postal system by establishing a uniform minimum price of one penny, leading to the creation of the first postage stamp.