‘President’ John Hanson:1972/1981 Richard D. L. Fulton John Hanson was born in Port Tobacco Parish, Charles County, in 1721, to parents Samuel Hanson and Elizabeth Storey Hanson, and in 1781,  arguably became the first president of the United States, eight years before the election of George Washington. On September 1, 1972, the United States Postal…

Naval Academy,1937/1995 Richard D. L. Fulton You may fire when you are ready, Gridley. — Naval Academy Admiral George Dewey, Opening of the Battle of Manila Bay, 1898. On May 16, 1937, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a five-cent stamp commemorating the establishment of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis. The…

Antietam,2012Richard D. L. Fulton Such a storm of balls I never conceived it possible for men to live through. Shot and shell shrieking and crashing, canister and bullets whistling and hissing most fiend-like through the air until you could almost see them…                                           – Lt. Col A.S. Pendleton, CSA On April 24, 2012, the United…

Richard D. L. Fulton On February 15, 1988, the United States Postal Service issued a set of 50 22-cent stamps commemorating when each of the 50 states had achieved statehood, one of which was devoted to Maryland. Each state’s stamps were featured on First Day of Issue covers (FDCs) when the stamps had been initially…

Richard D. L. Fulton Annapolis Tercentenary, 1949 On May 23, 1949, the United States Postal Service commemorated the 300th anniversary of the establishment of Annapolis as the capital of Maryland via the issuance of a three-cent stamp. First Day of Issue cancellations of the stamps were conducted at the post office in Annapolis—the first capital…

Richard D. L. Fulton Fatty Maschii Parole Femine (Strong Deeds, Gentle Words) – The motto of the State of Maryland On March 24, 1934, America celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the colony of Maryland through the issuance by the United States Postal Service of a 3-cent stamp. First Day of Issue cancellations…

Richard D. L. Fulton “First Day of Issue” cover of the Francis Scott Key stamp, issued on August 9, 1948, in Frederick. “O say does that star spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave…” ~ Defense of Fort McHenry, September 14, Frances Scott Key Celebrated Francis…