Birth of George Washington Goethals
US Army general and civil engineer, George Washington Goethals was born on June 29, 1858, in Brooklyn, New York. Under his leadership, the Panama Canal was completed two years ahead of schedule.
Government
Stock Transfer Stamps
On June 25, 1918, Stock Transfer stamps were approved for use. These stamps showed that the taxes had been paid on the sale or transfer of shares or certificates of stock.
First Canal Zone Stamps Issued
On June 24, 1904, the US issued its first stamps for use in the Canal Zone. The stamps were used by the thousands of workers who built and maintained the Panama Canal.
Antarctic Treaty
On June 23, 1961, the Antarctic Treaty went into effect. Originally signed by 12 nations, it called for the peaceful use of the Antarctic Territory surrounding the South Pole.
GI Bill
On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill, into law.
New Hampshire Becomes 9th State
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution. New Hampshire’s approval of the document put the Constitution into effect and officially made it the United States of America’s ninth state.
Silver Tax Stamps
On June 19, 1934, Congress authorized the use of Silver Tax stamps. These stamps paid the tax on profits from the transfer of silver bullion as a result of the Silver Purchase Act of 1934.
Arkansas Becomes 25th State
On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state of the Union. Statehood was hotly debated for 25 hours before being approved and signed into law by President Andrew Jackson.
Hawaii Becomes a US Territory
On June 14, 1900, Hawaii became a US territory and began using US stamps for its mail. Prior to that, Hawaii had been issuing its own stamps for nearly 50 years.