Social Security Act of 1935
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law.
American History
Death of Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock, the artist known as “Jack the Dripper,” died on August 11, 1956, in Springs, New York
Battle of Wilson’s Creek
On August 10, 1861, the first major battle in the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the Civil War was fought in Missouri.
Happy Birthday Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, was born on August 5, 1930, near Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Spanish Found First Mission in California
On July 16, 1769, Franciscan friar Junipero Serra founded California’s first Catholic mission.
Happy Birthday, George Cohan!
The father of American musical comedy, George Michael Cohan was born on July 3, 1878, in Providence, Rhode Island. The son of traveling Vaudeville performers, Cohan joined his parents on stage when he was just a baby. Cohan learned to dance and sing shortly after learning to walk and talk. Along with his parents and sister, the family toured under the name The Four Cohans, with George writing skits and songs in his teens.
U.S. Begins Issuing Stamps in Philippines
On June 30, 1899, the American military government issued its first stamps in the Philippines. Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1565 and continued for more than three centuries. In the late 1800s, the people of the Philippines revolted against the atrocities of their Spanish rulers. At the same time, unrest was growing in the Spanish colony of Cuba.
Custer’s Last Stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn
On June 25, 1876, Civil War hero George A. Custer died at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Last Stamp Issued by the Post Office Department
On June 23, 1971, the Post Office issued its last commemorative stamp as a cabinet-level department.