National US Postage Stamp Day
July 1
About National US Postage Stamp Day
National US Postage Stamp Day is observed every year on 1 July in the United States. The day marks the anniversary of 1 July 1847, when the United States Post Office issued its first official adhesive postage stamps. It is a date cherished by philatelists, postal historians, and anyone who appreciates the small printed squares that once carried letters across a young and rapidly expanding nation.
The Story Behind National US Postage Stamp Day
Before 1847, sending a letter in the United States was a complicated and often expensive affair. Postage was usually paid by the person receiving the mail rather than the sender, and the cost was calculated by the number of sheets of paper and the distance travelled. Recipients could, and frequently did, refuse delivery to avoid paying, leaving the Post Office out of pocket. A simpler, fairer system was badly needed.
The answer arrived on 1 July 1847, when the United States Post Office released its very first general-issue postage stamps. There were two designs. A five-cent stamp carried the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first Postmaster General, who had organised the colonial postal service decades earlier. A ten-cent stamp bore the image of George Washington, the first president. The five-cent stamp covered a letter weighing up to half an ounce travelling up to 300 miles, while the ten-cent stamp paid for greater distances or heavier mail.
The stamps were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson, whose initials “RWH&E” appear engraved at the foot of both designs. They were sold in pregummed, non-perforated sheets, which meant postal clerks had to cut each stamp from the sheet with scissors. Because of production delays, only the New York City post office actually received the new stamps on the first day they went on sale. Despite that modest start, the 1847 issue transformed American communication, shifting the cost of postage to the sender and making mail more reliable for everyone.
The exact origins of National US Postage Stamp Day as a modern observance are not well documented. No single founder or organisation is recorded as having established it, but it has grown organically as a way for collectors, museums, and postal enthusiasts to commemorate that pivotal moment in 1847. Institutions such as the Smithsonian National Postal Museum and the American Philatelic Society help keep the history alive.
When and Where is National US Postage Stamp Day Celebrated?
National US Postage Stamp Day falls on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It is observed annually on the same fixed date, always 1 July, regardless of the day of the week, because it commemorates the precise anniversary of the 1847 stamp issue. The day is principally a United States observance, though stamp collectors and postal historians around the world often join in, given the global appeal of philately.
Traditions and Customs
The day is marked quietly but warmly by those who love stamps and postal history. Common customs include:
- Browsing collections – Collectors take the opportunity to revisit their albums, admire favourite issues, and catalogue new acquisitions.
- Visiting postal museums – Many enthusiasts use the day to explore institutions such as the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., which holds original examples of the 1847 stamps.
- Attending stamp shows – Local and regional philatelic societies sometimes schedule meetings, exhibitions, or trading events around early July.
- Writing letters by hand – Sending a stamped, handwritten letter is a fitting tribute to the system the day celebrates.
- Sharing stamp history online – Collectors post images of rare or favourite stamps and recount their stories on social media and philatelic forums.
Ways to Celebrate National US Postage Stamp Day
Whether you have collected stamps for decades or have never owned an album, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:
- Start a stamp collection – With millions of different stamps issued worldwide, beginning a collection is affordable and endlessly rewarding. A simple starter pack and a stockbook are all you need.
- Write and post a real letter – Choose an attractive commemorative stamp, write to a friend or relative, and send it the traditional way. If you enjoy putting pen to paper, you might also like National Writing Day.
- Learn about the 1847 issue – Read about Franklin and Washington’s first stamps and how they changed American mail. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum offers excellent free resources.
- Visit a post office – Many post offices sell special commemorative and Forever stamps that make a lovely keepsake or gift.
- Join a philatelic society – The American Philatelic Society and countless local clubs welcome newcomers and offer expertise, swaps, and friendship.
- Frame a favourite stamp – Turn a striking stamp into a small piece of art for your home or workspace.
Facts and Figures
- The first US postage stamps went on sale on 1 July 1847, with a five-cent Franklin and a ten-cent Washington.
- Benjamin Franklin served as the first Postmaster General, appointed by the Continental Congress on 26 July 1775.
- Postage stamps did not become mandatory in the United States until 1855; before that, letters could still be sent with postage paid on delivery.
- Only Franklin and Washington appeared on US stamps until 1856, when a five-cent stamp honouring Thomas Jefferson was issued.
- Valid US postage stamps never expire, so a stamp bought decades ago can still carry a letter today, subject to its face value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National US Postage Stamp Day?
It is an annual observance held on 1 July that commemorates the day in 1847 when the United States issued its first official adhesive postage stamps. The day celebrates postal history and the hobby of stamp collecting, known as philately.
When is National US Postage Stamp Day in 2026?
National US Postage Stamp Day is on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It is always observed on 1 July each year.
Who is featured on the first US postage stamps?
The first two US stamps featured Benjamin Franklin on the five-cent stamp and George Washington on the ten-cent stamp. Franklin was chosen for his role as the country’s first Postmaster General, and Washington as the first president.
Spread the Word
Share National US Postage Stamp Day with your community using #PostageStampDay and #PostageStampDay2026. Whether you mark the occasion by posting a handwritten letter or showing off a treasured stamp, every bit of awareness helps keep this corner of history and craft alive.
Related Awareness Days
- World Post Day – Celebrated on 9 October, this global day honours the role of postal services and the people who deliver our mail.
- National Writing Day – A day encouraging everyone to put pen to paper, a natural companion to the letter-writing spirit of postage stamps.
- National Button Day – Another day devoted to the joys of collecting, perfect for hobbyists who love curating small treasures.
Links
- Read about the 1847 issue at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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