Animals

On September 20, 2011, the USPS issued its fourth semi-postal stamp, to raise money wildlife conservation.

Alexander Calder was born on July 22, 1898, in Lawnton, Pennsylvania.  There’s been some confusion over the years though, as members of his family suggest he was born one month later, on August 22.

On June 11, 1897, the US Railway Mail Service mascot, Owney the Postal Dog, died in Toledo, Ohio.

On June 1, 1990, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Flora and Fauna Series, which was born from plans for a Priority Mail stamp in 1987.

On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic after 14 years of construction.

Artist Jean Rabin Audubon (later known as John James Audubon) was born on April 26, 1785, in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue – today’s Haiti.

Artist Charles Marion Russell was born on March 19, 1864, in St. Louis, Missouri.

On February 2, 1887, the first official Groundhog Day event was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

On December 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law in an effort to protect threatened species from extinction.