United States History On This Date: July 26th

1775 — The United States Postal System Is Established

On July 26th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created what would become the United States Post Office Department, appointing Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. The move provided a unified communication network essential for revolutionary coordination. It strengthened colonial identity, improved information flow between distant regions, and laid the foundation for a national civic institution that would endure political upheaval, territorial expansion, and wartime disruption.

1788 — New York Ratifies the U.S. Constitution

On July 26th, 1788, New York became the 11th state to ratify the Constitution after intense debate between Federalists and Anti‑Federalists. The decision secured a critical geographic and economic anchor for the new republic. Ratification strengthened national unity, bolstered commercial networks centered on New York’s ports, and signaled growing acceptance of a stronger federal government. The vote also influenced remaining holdout states by demonstrating the Constitution’s viability in a major political and financial center.

1861 — McClellan Assumes Command of the Army of the Potomac

On July 26th, 1861, George B. McClellan formally took command of the Army of the Potomac following the Union’s defeat at Bull Run. His arrival brought discipline, structure, and renewed confidence to Washington. McClellan immediately began reorganizing regiments, fortifying defensive positions, and restoring morale. The appointment marked a turning point in early Union strategy, reflecting Lincoln’s urgent need for professional leadership capable of transforming a volunteer force into a coordinated army.

1863 — John Hunt Morgan Captured at Salineville, Ohio

On July 26th, 1863, Confederate cavalry leader John Hunt Morgan and 360 of his men were captured at Salineville, Ohio, ending the famed “Morgan’s Raid.” The raid had stretched Union defenses across multiple states, alarming Northern civilians and disrupting transportation lines. Morgan’s capture restored Union confidence in the Midwest and demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of Federal pursuit operations. The event also underscored the limits of Confederate cavalry raids deep into Northern territory.

1948 — Truman Signs Executive Order 9981 Desegregating the Military

On July 26th, 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981, mandating equality of treatment and opportunity in the U.S. armed forces. The order marked a watershed moment in civil rights history, challenging entrenched segregation and setting a precedent for broader social reform. It strengthened America’s moral standing during the early Cold War and laid groundwork for later civil rights victories. Integration proceeded gradually but irreversibly, reshaping military culture and national identity.

Lincoln and McClellan during the President’s visit to the Army of the Potomac in October 1862.