Benjamin Franklin
First National Daylight Savings Time in the U.S.
On March 31, 1918, daylight savings time went into effect for the first time in the United States.
Death of Benjamin West
Artist Benjamin West died on March 11, 1820, in London, United Kingdom.
France Signs Treaty of Alliance with America
On February 6, 1778, Delegates of King Louis XVI of France and the Second Continental Congress signed a Treaty of Alliance, promising military support to each other.
Happy Birthday Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Paine’s Common Sense Published
On January 10, 1776, Common Sense, a persuasive pamphlet encouraging Americans to declare independence from Great Britain, was published anonymously.
Treaty Of Paris Ends Revolutionary War
After more than eight years of fighting, the American Revolutionary War came to and end on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
Ben Franklin Appointed America’s First Postmaster General
On July 26, 1775, former deputy postmaster general of the American colonies, Ben Franklin, was made the first postmaster general of the United States. Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and only attended school until the age of 10. He was an avid reader and quick learner. As a polymath (a person with expertise in a large number of areas), Franklin would eventually become an accomplished author, printer, freemason, scientist, inventor, activist, and statesman.
First U.S. Postage Stamp Goes on Sale
On July 1, 1847, America’s first postage stamps were issued.
Washington Establishes U.S. Post Office
On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the U.S. Post Office.