US #628 was the tallest US stamp at the time it was issued. Click image to order.
John (Johan) Ericsson was born on July 31, 1803, in Värmland, Sweden.
From a young age, Ericsson and his brother Nils showed an aptitude for canal building. Their talent was discovered by the architect of the Gota Canal, who hired them as cadets of mechanics in the Royal Navy.
US #1286A was issued on Ford’s 105th birthday.
Industrialist and auto manufacturer Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863, in Greenfield, Township, Michigan.
As a teenager, Ford repeatedly took apart and reassembled the watches of his friends and neighbors, earning some business as a watch repairman. His father expected him to one day take over the family farm but he disliked farm work.
US #1158 was issued for the 100th anniversary of the treaty’s ratification. Click image to order.
On July 29, 1858, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Japan, opening trade between the two nations.
Following continuing attempts by Europeans to convert the Japanese to Catholicism, Japan cut off nearly all outside contact in 1639. For more than 200 years, Japan permitted trade only with Dutch and Chinese ships bearing special charters.
US #3022 from the 1995 Antique Autos set. Click image to order.
On July 28, 1898, Alexander Winton began a nine-day test-drive of his automobile, proving its reliability to investors.
Alexander Winton was born on June 20, 1860, in Grangemouth, Scotland. He came to the United States when he was 19 and worked at Delameter Iron Works and a marine engine shop before moving to Cleveland in 1884.
US #3187e from the Celebrate the Century series. Click image to order.
On July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, bringing about the end of fighting in the Korean War.
The war had begun on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The US and the UN quickly joined in to support South Korea and eventually the Chinese would join the north.
US #1434-35 were issued to coincide with the flight of Apollo XV and to mark the 10th anniversary Alan Shepard becoming the first American in space. Click image to order.
On July 26, 1971, Apollo 15 was launched, bringing the fourth American crew to the Moon’s surface.
Apollo 15 would become the first of three extended missions to the moon, known as K missions. The mission would be more focused on science than previous landings had been. It also marked the first use of the lunar rover.
