Civil War
Massachusetts Becomes 6th State
On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts became the 6th state to join the Union.
Black Heritage Series
On February 1, 1978, the USPS issued the first stamp in its now longest-running series, Black Heritage.
Death of Stephen Foster
On January 13, 1864, Stephen Foster, the “father of American music,” died in New York City.
First Shots of the Civil War?
On January 9, 1861, Southern rebels fired on an American ship attempting to resupply Fort Sumter. Some consider these to be the opening shots of the Civil War.
Birth of Kit Carson
Christopher Houston Carson was born December 24, 1809, in Richmond, Kentucky. Better known as Kit Carson, his contributions to the westward expansion of the United States rank him as one of the nation’s great folk heroes.
Army & Navy Issue
On December 15, 1936, the first of 10 stamps in the Army/Navy Set was issued.
Battle of Fredericksburg
On December 13, 1862, Union forces launched a bloody attack during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Birth of Joel Chandler Harris
Author Joel Chandler Harris was born on December 9, 1848, in Eatonton, Georgia.