Saturday, July 1, 2023

Happy National Postage Stamp Day

 

On this day in American history-July 1, 1847-
 the first official U.S. postage stamp was issued.

An early design for the first stamp called for it to depict 
 former President Andrew Jackson, hero of the War of 1812. 

However, due to divisive issues within our nation at the time,
which would eventually lead to the outbreak of the Civil War,
a portrait of Benjamin Franklin was selected instead.

Franklin is credited for organizing America's first postal service
in the 18th century, He was also elected as the first Postmaster 
General of the Confederation, playing a significant role in
 communications during the Revolutionary War.



The first official U.S. Postage Stamp
 features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin
based on a painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze
Image courtesy/mysticstamp.com



The second official U.S, postage stamp
  of President George Washington
 was based on the famed
 Gilbert Stuart painting, "The Athenaeum"
Image courtesy/mysticstamp.com



Although the stamps were made available for purchase at major
U.S. post offices on July 1, 1847, due to delays in production, only
one office, in New York City. received the stamps on that date.
The stamps were produced until 1851.



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