First Contract Airmail Flight
On February 15, 1926, the first contract airmail flight was made between Michigan and Ohio. Three stamps were issued for this service during its first two years.
Postal History
Lincoln Memorial Issue
On February 12, 1909, the US Post Office issued a set of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. These were America’s first definitive-sized commemoratives.
Creation of the U.S. Weather Bureau
On February 9, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant created the US Weather Bureau. Still in operation today as the National Weather Service, it provides weather forecasts and warnings for hazardous weather.
First Cut-to-Shape US Stamps
On January 28, 1999, the USPS issued its first stamps to be cut in the shape of the image. The stamps were die-cut in the shape of Victorian Valentines.
First US Love Stamp
On January 26, 1973, the USPS issued its first Love stamp. It was years before the next Love stamp was issued and even longer before the USPS officially declared it a series.
First US Commemorative Booklet
On January 23, 1986, the USPS issued its first commemorative booklet, which honored stamp collecting. Promoting the upcoming AMERIPEX, it was also a joint issue with Sweden that honored 100th anniversary of the American Philatelic Society.
American Credo Series
On January 20, 1960, the US Post Office Department issued the first stamp in the American Credo Series. The stamps feature quotes from notable Americans, honoring “the ideals upon which America was founded.”
America’s First Airmail Coil Stamp
The first US Airmail coil stamp was issued on January 15, 1948, in Washington, DC. Only a few more coil stamps would be issued over the next 30 years, but the DC-4 SkyMaster would appear on more than a dozen postal items.
Return of Official Mail Stamps
On January 12, 1983, Official Mail stamps were issued for the first time in 72 years. They were created to increase government postage accountability and remained in use until 2009.