In August 1862, while the American Civil War was being waged, the (Union) Commissioner of Internal Revenue took bids for the printing and production of first U.S. revenue stamps to help raise revenue for the costs of fighting the war.
In August 1862, while the American Civil War was being waged, the United States (Union) government began taxing a variety of good, services and legal dealings. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue took bids for the printing and production of the first U.S. revenue stamps in an effort to raise revenue for the great costs of the war.