Nature and Conservation
Opening of Expo ’74
On May 4, 1974, Expo ’74 opened in Spokane, Washington. “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh New Environment” was the slogan for the 1974 World’s Fair held in Spokane, Washington.
Endangered Species Act
On December 28, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law in an effort to protect threatened species from extinction.
Dedication of Everglades National Park
On December 6, 1947, President Harry Truman presided over the dedication of Florida’s Everglades National Park.
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
On September 27, 1962, Rachel Carson published the book Silent Spring, which inspired a massive environmental movement in the United States.
Birth of Francis Parkman
American historian Francis Parkman was born on September 16, 1823, in Boston, Massachusetts.
U.S.P.S. Introduces Nature of America Series
On April 6, 1999, the U.S.P.S. issued the first stamp sheet in its 12-year Nature of America series.
Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. His birthplace, identified by a granite marker, is on a street now called Johnny Appleseed Lane.
Yosemite Land Grant
On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant, which made Yosemite Valley the first piece of land set aside by the US government for preservation and public use.
The First Earth Day
On April 22, 1970, some 20 million people took part in the first Earth Day in America.