This Day In History

On January 10, 1776, a short pamphlet quietly appeared in Philadelphia—and helped change the course of history. Published anonymously and written in clear, forceful language, Common Sense urged American colonists to do something many still feared to say aloud: break completely from Great Britain. Within weeks, its ideas were being read aloud in taverns, debated in meeting halls, and discussed around kitchen tables, helping turn the dream of independence into a shared conviction.

On January 9, 1788, Connecticut ratified the US Constitution, making it the fifth state to join the young United States.

After a yearlong campaign, the USPS held a special midnight first-day ceremony on January 8, 1993, for the long-awaited Elvis Presley stamp.

On January 7, 1785, the sky briefly became part of the postal system. In a daring balloon flight watched by astonished crowds, mail was carried through the air for the first time, marking a bold experiment in communication and transportation that captured the imagination of the world.

Inventor and businessman Cyrus McCormick died on May 13, 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. He’s best known for his mechanical reaper, which increased productivity, and advanced the industrialization of agriculture in dozens of nations.

On August 23, 1970, the largest farm worker strike in US history began. The strike lasted for nearly seven months, with growers losing about $500,000 a day.

On January 15, 1902, one of the first clubs to resemble the 4-H club was founded in Ohio.

On August 16, 1874, Hard Winter Wheat, also known as Turkey Red, was first introduced in America.

On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California. She completed the 2,400-mile flight in 18 hours.

Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1755 (or 57 – the year is unknown), in Nevis in the British West Indies. He was a hero of the Revolutionary War and first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

On January 11, 1978, the USPS issued its smallest postage stamp, featuring the famed Indian Head Penny. The stamp was a USPS experiment to cut costs and increase output.

Alice Paul was born on January 11, 1885, in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.  Paul was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, staging protests and parades to gain support for the right to vote.