The first United States postage stamp issued for general use in 1847 featured the nation’s first president. This depiction, based on a bust by sculptor Horatio Greenough, established a tradition of portraying historical figures on American postage. Initially printed in brown, the stamp was later reissued in other colors, including black, blue, and orange-brown.
This inaugural adhesive stamp marked a significant step in the development of efficient and affordable postal services within the expanding United States. It facilitated prepayment of postage, streamlining mail handling and reducing costs. The image of the esteemed first president contributed to a sense of national unity and identity, particularly during a period of westward expansion. Its existence is a testament to the growth of communication networks and their role in shaping the American nation. Studying these stamps offers insights into printing techniques, postal history, and even the political and cultural climate of the time.
Further exploration can reveal fascinating details regarding the stamp’s design evolution, production methods, variations, and enduring legacy within philately and American history. Understanding its context illuminates the broader narrative of communication and nation-building in the 19th century.
Tips for Collecting and Studying Early U.S. Postage
Careful consideration of several factors enhances the experience of collecting and studying early United States postage, including the iconic 1847 issue.
Tip 1: Condition Assessment: Condition significantly impacts value. Examine stamps for tears, creases, thin spots, discoloration, and repairs. Understanding grading standards is essential.
Tip 2: Authentication: Counterfeit stamps exist. Consulting reputable dealers and expert resources helps ensure authenticity.
Tip 3: Understanding Variations: Early stamps exhibit variations in color, shade, perforation, and paper type. Learning to identify these nuances adds depth to the collecting experience.
Tip 4: Proper Storage: Protect stamps from light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations using archival-quality materials. Acid-free albums and mounts are recommended.
Tip 5: Research and Documentation: Investigating the historical context, printing methods, and usage of specific stamps enriches appreciation and understanding. Specialized catalogs and philatelic literature provide valuable information.
Tip 6: Building a Focus: Concentrating on a specific area, such as a particular issue, time period, or design element, can provide a more structured and rewarding collecting experience.
Tip 7: Networking with Other Collectors: Joining philatelic societies and attending stamp shows offers opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and connect with other enthusiasts.
By considering these tips, collectors and researchers can develop a deeper appreciation for the intricacies and historical significance of early U.S. postage. Careful attention to detail enhances the enjoyment and educational value of these artifacts.
Further exploration promises a rewarding journey into the world of philately and a greater understanding of the evolution of communication in the United States.
1. First U.S. postage stamp
The phrase “First U.S. postage stamp” is inextricably linked to the 1847 one-cent stamp featuring George Washington. This stamp represents the genesis of nationally standardized pre-paid postage in the United States. Prior to its introduction, postal rates varied and were often paid by the recipient. The implementation of a uniform system, symbolized by this initial stamp, dramatically altered communication practices, facilitating easier and more affordable correspondence. Its creation was a direct response to the burgeoning need for efficient mail service in a rapidly expanding nation.
The selection of George Washington for the stamp’s subject matter was a deliberate choice, underscoring his symbolic importance as the nation’s first president. This decision contributed to national unity and imbued the stamp with immediate recognition and authority. The image, based on the Horatio Greenough bust, further solidified Washington’s iconic status. The one-cent denomination, though debated at the time, ensured accessibility for a wider population, thereby democratizing postal services and increasing their overall utilization. The stamp’s immediate success demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of pre-paid postage, paving the way for the continued growth and development of the U.S. Postal Service.
Understanding the significance of the 1847 stamp as the first U.S. postage stamp provides crucial context for interpreting its historical impact. It symbolizes not only a shift in postal practices but also the rise of a national identity and the importance of efficient communication networks in nation-building. The stamp’s legacy continues to resonate in contemporary philately and serves as a tangible reminder of the evolution of communication in the United States.
2. Issued 1847
The year 1847 represents a pivotal moment in American postal history: the issuance of the first United States postage stamp for general use. This stamp, depicting George Washington and valued at one cent, marked a significant shift towards a more efficient and accessible postal system. Understanding the context of its 1847 release is crucial to appreciating its historical importance.
- Act of March 3, 1847
This Congressional act authorized the Postmaster General to issue postage stamps. It provided the legal framework for the creation and distribution of the new stamps, signifying a formal transition away from previous methods of postage payment. The act reflects the growing need for standardized postal practices in a rapidly expanding nation.
- Contract with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch, and Edson
This New York City engraving firm secured the contract to design and print the first stamps. Their work involved translating the approved design, based on the Horatio Greenough bust of Washington, onto engraved plates for printing. This partnership represents the intersection of government initiative and private enterprise in the development of early U.S. postage.
- Initial Printing and Distribution
The first stamps were officially issued in New York City on July 1, 1847, followed by distribution to other major cities. The initial print run, along with subsequent issues, provided a practical solution for prepaying postage, simplifying mail handling, and reducing costs for users. The stamps’ immediate adoption underscored the public’s readiness for a more streamlined postal system.
- Impact on Postal Practices
The introduction of the 1847 stamp significantly altered postal operations. By enabling prepayment, it reduced the administrative burden on post offices and facilitated faster processing and delivery of mail. This innovation marked a major step towards the modern postal system and played a crucial role in connecting a growing nation.
The “Issued 1847” designation is thus not merely a date; it signifies a transformative moment in American communication history. The introduction of the George Washington one-cent stamp, facilitated by legislative action, private enterprise, and effective distribution, laid the foundation for the modern U.S. Postal Service and its continued impact on national communication networks.
3. Depicts George Washington
The depiction of George Washington on the first U.S. postage stamp issued in 1847 is a crucial aspect of its historical and cultural significance. This choice was not merely decorative; it strategically linked the nascent postal service with the enduring image of the nation’s revered first president. Exploring the reasons behind this decision reveals insights into the stamp’s symbolic power and its role in fostering national identity.
- Symbol of National Unity
Presenting Washington’s image on the stamp served as a unifying symbol across a geographically and culturally diverse nation. His leadership during the Revolutionary War and presidency established him as a figurehead embodying national ideals. This visual representation on a widely circulated item like postage reinforced a shared sense of national belonging during a period of westward expansion and increasing sectionalism.
- Authority and Trust
Associating the new postal system with Washington’s image conferred an aura of authority and trustworthiness. His reputation for integrity and leadership lent credibility to the fledgling postal service, fostering public confidence in its reliability and importance. This association suggested that the postal system, like Washington himself, served the nation’s best interests.
- Promoting National Identity
The stamp’s circulation fostered a sense of shared national identity. By featuring Washington, a universally recognized figure, the stamp became a small but powerful reminder of the nation’s founding principles and shared history. This was particularly significant in a period of rapid growth and change, as it helped to solidify a sense of common purpose and national identity amongst the citizenry.
- The Greenough Influence
The image selected for the stamp was based on the bust of Washington by Horatio Greenough. While this particular portrayal was later subject to some criticism, its adoption for the 1847 stamp cemented its place in American visual culture. The stamp’s widespread circulation effectively established this image as the dominant representation of Washington for a significant portion of the 19th century, impacting public perception and artistic interpretations.
The decision to depict George Washington on the first U.S. postage stamp was a strategic move with lasting implications. By linking the postal service with the nation’s founding father, the stamp gained symbolic weight, fostering trust, promoting national unity, and solidifying Washington’s image in the American consciousness. This deliberate choice underscores the importance of visual imagery in shaping public perception and establishing cultural memory. The continued recognition of this iconic stamp testifies to the enduring power of this early decision.
4. Horatio Greenough Bust
The Horatio Greenough bust of George Washington forms the basis of the iconic image used on the first United States postage stamp, issued in 1847. Understanding the connection between the bust and the stamp requires examining the sculpture’s creation, its reception, and its ultimate adaptation for this important philatelic debut. This exploration illuminates the historical and artistic context surrounding the stamp’s design and its enduring legacy.
- Commission and Creation
Congress commissioned Greenough to create a sculpture of Washington in 1832. The resulting work, a larger-than-life seated figure inspired by classical statuary, was intended for display in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Greenough completed the sculpture in 1840, and it arrived in Washington, D.C., the following year. The bust used for the stamp was derived from this larger work, reflecting the contemporary preference for idealized, neoclassical representations of historical figures.
- Classical Inspiration and Controversy
Greenough’s depiction of Washington drew upon classical Roman imagery, portraying him bare-chested and in a heroic pose. This artistic choice, while intended to elevate Washington to the status of a classical hero, proved controversial upon its unveiling. Critics found the depiction unconventional and even disrespectful, leading to its eventual removal from the rotunda. Despite the controversy surrounding the full-length statue, the bust portion remained a recognizable and readily available image.
- Adaptation for the One-Cent Stamp
The selection of Greenough’s bust for the 1847 stamp reflects its availability and suitability for reproduction on a small scale. Engravers could easily adapt the bust’s frontal pose for the stamp’s design. While the full-length statue faced criticism, the bust itself remained a respectable likeness of Washington, making it an acceptable choice for the nation’s first postage stamp.
- Enduring Legacy and Impact
Despite the mixed reception of Greenough’s full-length statue, its adaptation for the one-cent stamp ensured its enduring legacy. Millions of stamps bearing the image of the bust circulated throughout the United States, firmly establishing it in the public consciousness. The stamp’s popularity effectively disseminated Greenough’s interpretation of Washington, shaping visual representations of the first president for generations and linking the artist’s work inextricably to the history of American communication.
The Horatio Greenough bust, though initially part of a larger, more controversial work, ultimately gained widespread recognition through its adaptation for the 1847 one-cent stamp. This connection between high art and the practical needs of the postal service underscores the complex relationship between artistic representation, public perception, and the creation of national symbols. The stamp’s success cemented the bust’s image as an enduring icon of George Washington and a testament to the unexpected ways in which art can shape history.
5. Five-cent value initially proposed
The “george washington one cent stamp,” a cornerstone of American philately, did not arrive at its final denomination without deliberation. Initially, a five-cent value was proposed for this inaugural stamp. Exploring this initial proposal and the eventual shift to a one-cent value reveals important insights into the practical and political considerations surrounding the development of the United States postal system in the mid-19th century.
- Cost Considerations and Postal Reform
The five-cent proposal reflected the existing cost structure for letter delivery over longer distances. However, postal reformers advocating for broader accessibility argued that a lower denomination would encourage greater usage and facilitate wider communication across the nation. This debate highlighted the tension between maintaining financial viability and promoting universal access to postal services.
- Public Accessibility and Usage Predictions
Advocates for the one-cent value argued that lower postage would significantly increase mail volume, benefiting both the public and the postal service. They predicted that a more affordable rate would stimulate correspondence, promoting literacy, commerce, and social connections. This forward-thinking approach recognized the potential of the postal service as a driver of national growth and development.
- Political and Economic Factors
The decision to adopt the one-cent denomination was influenced by political and economic considerations. Lowering the cost of postage aligned with the broader democratic ideals of the era, expanding access to essential communication services. Furthermore, the anticipated increase in mail volume promised to boost postal revenues, offsetting the lower per-stamp cost.
- The One-Cent Stamp’s Success
The eventual success of the one-cent george washington stamp validated the arguments for increased accessibility. The lower denomination spurred significant growth in mail volume, confirming predictions and demonstrating the public’s eagerness for affordable and efficient communication. This outcome laid the foundation for the continued expansion and evolution of the U.S. Postal Service throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
The shift from a proposed five-cent value to the ultimate one-cent denomination for the first U.S. postage stamp reflects a pivotal decision in American postal history. This change, driven by considerations of accessibility, affordability, and predicted usage patterns, proved instrumental in shaping the postal service into the vital communication network it became. The “george washington one cent stamp” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of this forward-thinking decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1847 one-cent stamp featuring George Washington.
Question 1: What makes the 1847 stamp so significant?
Its significance stems from its status as the first U.S. postage stamp issued for general use, marking a transformative moment in American postal history and communication practices.
Question 2: Why does the stamp depict George Washington?
The choice of Washington aimed to imbue the new postal system with a sense of national unity, authority, and trust, leveraging his iconic status as the nation’s first president.
Question 3: Who designed the image on the stamp?
The image is based on a bust of Washington sculpted by Horatio Greenough, which was itself derived from his larger, more controversial full-length statue of Washington.
Question 4: Was the one-cent denomination always intended?
No, a five-cent value was initially proposed. However, advocates for greater accessibility successfully argued for the lower denomination to encourage wider usage.
Question 5: How did the introduction of the stamp affect postal operations?
The stamp facilitated prepayment of postage, streamlining mail handling, reducing costs, and promoting greater efficiency within the rapidly expanding postal network.
Question 6: Where can one learn more about this stamp and its history?
Further information can be found through philatelic societies, specialized catalogs, reputable stamp dealers, museum collections, and dedicated philatelic literature.
Understanding the historical context and significance of the 1847 stamp offers valuable insight into the evolution of communication networks and their impact on American society.
Further exploration into the intricacies of early U.S. postage promises a rewarding journey through American history and the fascinating world of philately.
The Enduring Legacy of the 1847 One-Cent Stamp
This exploration has highlighted the multifaceted significance of the 1847 one-cent stamp featuring George Washington. From its status as the nation’s first postage stamp to its symbolic representation of national unity and the practical impact on postal operations, this small artifact holds a significant place in American history. The selection of Washington’s image, based on the Horatio Greenough bust, underscores the deliberate effort to connect the burgeoning postal system with the revered figure of the nation’s first president. Furthermore, the decision to issue a one-cent stamp, rather than the initially proposed five-cent value, demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and affordability, ultimately fostering wider communication and literacy across the expanding nation.
The 1847 one-cent stamp stands as more than just a philatelic artifact; it represents a pivotal moment in the development of American communication networks and the forging of a national identity. Its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of efficient communication and its crucial role in shaping a nation’s social, political, and economic landscape. Continued study of this unassuming piece of postal history offers valuable insights into the complexities of 19th-century America and the enduring power of symbols in shaping cultural memory.
