Presidents

1918 24¢ Curtiss Jenny
June 23, 1938

The Civil Aeronautics Act 

On June 23, 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Civil Aeronautics Act, creating the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The CAA was tasked with investigating accidents, recommending ways to prevent future accidents, and setting airline fares and routes. It eventually became the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Read Article
1934 16¢ Airmail Special Delivery
June 20, 1782

U.S. Adopts Great Seal

On June 20, 1782, the United States adopted the Great Seal. It had taken six years, three committees, and the work of 14 men.

Read Article
1895 $2 Madison, blue, double line watermark
June 18, 1812

America Declares War on Great Britain

Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”

Read Article
1875 15¢ Lincoln, black
June 16, 1858

Lincoln Delivers House Divided Speech 

On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous House Divided Speech in Springfield, Illinois. The speech helped propel Lincoln onto the national stage, setting him on course to become one of America’s greatest presidents.

Read Article
1875 5¢ Taylor
May 8, 1846

Taylor Wins the Battle of Palo Alto

On May 8, 1846, future President Zachary Taylor led US forces to their first major victory of the Mexican-American War at the Battle of Palo Alto.

Read Article
1881-82 6¢ Lincoln, brown red
May 7, 1861

Lincoln Made Honorary Citizen of San Marino

On May 7, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln accepted the “honor of citizenship” from San Marino. It was one of the earliest instances of US and San Marino relations, which wouldn’t be formally established for decades. 

Read Article
1993 29¢ Dean Acheson
April 11, 1893

Birth of Dean Acheson

Dean Gooderham Acheson was born on April 11, 1893, in Middletown, Connecticut.  Serving in the state department for over a decade, he was influential in many of the United States’ World War II and post-war initiatives, including the Lend-Lease Act, Marshall Plan, and NATO.

Read Article
1925 17¢ Wilson, black, perf 11
April 2, 1917

Wilson Asks Congress to Declare War 

President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress on April 2, 1917, asking to declare war and join World War I. Despite Wilson’s desire to remain neutral, Germany had attacked several ships carrying US citizens, with no promise of stopping.

Read Article
1938 10¢ John Tyler
March 29, 1790

Birth of John Tyler 

John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia. He was the first vice president to take the nation’s highest office following the death of a sitting president, setting the standard for Presidential succession.

Read Article