Start of Modern FDC Collecting
On October 4, 1922, an 11¢ Hayes stamp was issued on a specific date in a specific city for the first time. Many consider this to be the start of modern First Day Cover Collecting.
American History
Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
On October 3, 1985, the Space Shuttle Atlantis made its maiden flight. Atlantis remained in service for 26 years, flying 33 missions, including the final space shuttle mission in 2011.
Birth of Wallace Stevens
Poet Wallace Stevens was born on October 2, 1879, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Considered Stevens the “best and most representative” American poet of his era, he earned multiple awards, including the 1955 Pulitzer Prize.
Disabled American Veterans
On September 25, 1920, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was officially established as a national social welfare organization. The organization provides millions of dollars in support for disabled veterans.
Hanging of Patriot Nathan Hale
After being discovered as an American spy behind enemy lines, Nathan Hale was hanged on September 22, 1776. Just 21 years old at the time, he famously said, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Jamestown Burns During Bacon’s Rebellion
On September 19, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led an irate group of followers into Jamestown and burned nearly all the buildings to the ground. Bacon’s rebellion and the burning of Jamestown are considered precursors to the American Revolution.
Metropolitan Opera House Opens
On September 16, 1966, the Metropolitan Opera House opened at New York’s Lincoln Center, the largest repertory opera house in the world.
Birth of William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft was born September 15, 1857, near Cincinnati, Ohio. To date, he’s the the only person to serve as both US president and chief justice of the Supreme Court.
America’s First Journalism School
On September 14, 1908, the University of Missouri School of Journalism became the first such school in the US, and only the second in the world. The school adopted a hands-on approach, known as the “Missouri Method.”