Postal History
Start of Rural Free Delivery
On October 1, 1896, Rural Free Delivery was introduced in a handful of West Virginia towns. Rural free delivery made the mail faster, more convenient, and more valuable, bringing our nation together like never before.
First Unwatermarked Stamp of the 20th Century
On September 27, 1916, the US Post Office issued its first postage stamp on unwatermarked paper in over 20 years. The change was in response to war-time constraints, but would become permanent.
First U.S. Commemorative on Colored Paper
On September 22, 1956, the US Post Office issued its first commemorative stamp on colored paper. The stamp celebrated the 200th anniversary of Princeton’s Nassau Hall.
Birth of Stamp Artist Howard Koslow
Howard Bertram Koslow was born on September 21, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Over the course of 40 years, Koslow produced artwork for more than 50 US stamps and postal cards, including the popular and long-running Lighthouse Series.
Entirely Microprinted U.S. Stamp
On September 15, 1997, the USPS issued a stamp whose vignette consisted entirely of microprinting. The experimental printing technique was used to discourage and protect against counterfeiting.
World War II 50th Anniversary Stamps
On September 3, 1991, the USPS issued the first of five souvenir sheets (later classified as commemorative sheets) honoring the 50th anniversary of America’s entrance into World War II.
Computer Vended Postage Stamps
On August 20, 1992, Computer Vended Postage stamps were first made available for sale in five test cities.
U.S. #523 Color Error
US #523, the 1918 $2 orange-red Franklin error stamp, was first used on or around August 19, 1918. However, it would be two years before the error was discovered.
Encased Postage
On August 12, 1862, John Gault received a patent for a design to encase postage stamps to use as currency as coins were being hoarded during the Civil War.