America Issues First Airmail Stamp
On May 13, 1918, the United States issued its first airmail stamp – US #C3. It carried America’s first airmail two days later, and sparked one of the world’s most famous stamp rarities.
Technology
Birth of Samuel Morse
Samuel Finley Breese Morse was born on April 27, 1791, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Morse is credited with inventing the telegraph and the communication system used for the device, which bears his name: Morse code.
Opening of the 1964 New York World’s Fair
On April 22, 1964, the New York World’s Fair opened at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York. The fair included several notable events – the unveiling of the Ford Mustang and IBM computer, Disney’s animatronic “It’s a Small World” show, and more.
Ford Mustang Goes on Sale
On April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang debuted at the New York Auto Show, and was available for sale around the country that same day. The Mustang far outsold expectations and shattered sales records.
Birth of Eadweard Muybridge
Photographer Eadweard Muybridge was born on April 9, 1830, in Kingston upon the Thames, Surrey, England. Muybridge was a photography pioneer, improving the technology and completing early motion studies on film.
American Radio Relay League Saves Lives
On March 28, 1964, amateur radio operators provided essential emergency communications in the wake of a devastating earthquake in Alaska.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Incorporated
On March 21, 1826, the Rensselaer School was incorporated in Troy, New York. Later named the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, it’s considered the oldest continuously operating technological college in America and the English-speaking world.
Alexander Graham Bell Patents Telephone
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone. Three days later, Bell transmitted the first recognizable words over a telephone line.
U.S. Launches First Nuclear Submarine
On January 21, 1954, the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, was launched. It would quickly break all speed and distance records and mark the start of a new age of underwater travel.