Birthdays & Historical Events – February 20

← National Days on February 20

Birthdays & Historical Events – February 20

Historical Events on February 20

Events that occurred on February 20 throughout history

1792

President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act

President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act formally creating the United States Postal Service. Before the 1792 act, temporary measures created by the Continental Congress established a postal service and postmaster general to oversee the system. The first person appointed to the role in 1775 was Benjamin Franklin.

1872

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened to the public

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened to the public. Founded by Eastman Johnson, John Taylor Johnston, Howard Potter, and George Palmer Putnam, the museum is the largest art museum in the United States.

1943

Chicago Cubs owner, Philip Wrigley, his attorney Paul V

Chicago Cubs owner, Philip Wrigley, his attorney Paul V. Harper and Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey established the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The Racine Belles, South Bend Blue Sox, Kenosha Comets, and Rockford Peaches competed during the 1943 season.

1962

Aboard the Friendship7, John Glenn becomes the first

Aboard the Friendship7, John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth