This postage, released in 1929, commemorated the 150th anniversary of the capture of Fort Sackville by American Revolutionary War hero, George Rogers Clark. The design features a portrait of Clark based on a painting attributed to Matthew Jouett. The stamp was part of the Washington Bicentennial Series and represents a key moment in American westward expansion.
The issue served not only as a practical means of mailing correspondence but also as a miniature historical lesson and a tribute to a pivotal figure in the nation’s early history. Clark’s capture of Fort Sackville secured the Northwest Territory for the fledgling United States, significantly influencing the country’s future boundaries and development. The stamp’s release reflected a renewed national interest in Clark’s contributions and helped solidify his place in the American historical narrative.
Further exploration of this topic can delve into the design process of the stamp, the historical context surrounding its release, the broader Washington Bicentennial Series it belonged to, and the enduring legacy of George Rogers Clark.
Tips for Stamp Collectors
Building a meaningful stamp collection requires careful consideration of several factors. The following tips offer guidance for both novice and experienced collectors, focusing on historical context and preservation.
Tip 1: Research the Subject: Understanding the historical significance of a stamp, such as the 1929 commemorative issue for the 150th anniversary of the capture of Fort Sackville, adds depth and meaning to a collection. Researching the individual depicted, George Rogers Clark, and the event commemorated enriches appreciation for the stamp.
Tip 2: Preserve Condition: Proper storage is crucial for maintaining a stamp’s value and appearance. Archival-quality albums and mounts protect against humidity, light, and pests.
Tip 3: Identify Variations: Different printings and perforations can exist within a single stamp issue. Learning to recognize these variations adds another layer of complexity and value to a collection.
Tip 4: Consider a Topical Focus: Focusing on a specific theme, such as military history or early American expansion, provides a framework for building a cohesive and engaging collection.
Tip 5: Network with Other Collectors: Joining stamp collecting clubs or attending shows offers opportunities to learn from experienced collectors, discover rare finds, and share knowledge.
Tip 6: Authenticate Valuable Stamps: For potentially valuable stamps, obtaining expert authentication verifies their genuineness and adds to their market value.
By following these guidelines, collectors can build collections that are not only valuable but also historically informative and personally rewarding. These practices ensure the preservation of historical artifacts for future generations.
From understanding individual stamp significance to maintaining a collection’s long-term value, these tips offer a solid foundation for engaging with philately.
1. Commemorative Issue
Commemorative stamps represent a distinct category within philately, serving to honor individuals, events, and anniversaries deemed historically significant. The 1929 George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp exemplifies this practice, marking the 150th anniversary of a pivotal Revolutionary War victory. Understanding the commemorative nature of this stamp provides a crucial framework for appreciating its historical context and numismatic value.
- Historical Context
Commemorative issues provide tangible links to the past. The Clark stamp, for instance, connects collectors and the public to the capture of Fort Sackville, a key moment in westward expansion. By highlighting such events, these stamps foster historical awareness and appreciation.
- Limited Production
Unlike definitive stamps intended for everyday postage, commemoratives are often printed in limited quantities and for specific periods. This contributes to their collectibility and potential long-term value. The Clark stamps limited availability within the broader Washington Bicentennial Series enhances its appeal to collectors.
- Symbolic Design
Commemorative stamps feature carefully chosen imagery and inscriptions. The Clark stamp’s portrait and depiction of Fort Sackville symbolize his contribution to American history. These design elements encapsulate the historical narrative, making the stamp a miniature work of art and a historical document.
- Educational Value
Commemorative issues offer miniature history lessons. The Clark stamp serves as a starting point for learning about the Revolutionary War, westward expansion, and Clark’s role in these events. They stimulate interest in historical research and provide tangible connections to the past.
The commemorative nature of the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp elevates it beyond a simple postage item. It becomes a historical artifact, a collector’s piece, and an educational tool, reflecting the importance of remembering and honoring significant figures and events.
2. 1929 Release
The year 1929 holds specific relevance for the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp, marking its official release date. This date contextualizes the stamp within its historical period and provides insights into its purpose and creation. Examining the historical backdrop of 1929 illuminates the stamp’s significance beyond its philatelic value.
- Washington Bicentennial
1929 marked the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, a nationwide celebration. The Clark stamp’s release as part of the commemorative series connected Clark’s contributions to the broader narrative of American independence and expansion initiated by Washington. This association elevated Clark’s historical standing and linked him directly to the nation’s founding.
- Interwar Period
Positioned between the two World Wars, 1929 represented a period of relative peace and prosperity in the United States. This context likely influenced public reception of the stamp, fostering a sense of national pride and historical reflection. The stamp’s release during a time of stability allowed for a focus on historical commemoration.
- Postal Service Role
The United States Postal Service played a key role in disseminating historical narratives through commemorative stamps. The 1929 release of the Clark stamp demonstrates this practice, utilizing a widely circulated medium to educate the public about a significant historical figure and event. This ensured Clark’s story reached a broad audience.
- Philatelic Trends
Stamp collecting enjoyed considerable popularity in 1929. The release of commemorative stamps like the Clark issue catered to this growing hobby and contributed to the burgeoning philatelic market. This increased the likelihood of the stamp being preserved and appreciated by collectors.
The 1929 release date provides crucial context for understanding the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp. It connects the stamp to the Washington Bicentennial celebrations, the interwar period, the historical role of the postal service, and contemporary philatelic trends. These factors contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the stamp’s historical and cultural significance.
3. Bicentennial Series
The George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp derives significant meaning from its inclusion within the 1929 Washington Bicentennial Series. This series, issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, featured several stamps honoring individuals and events crucial to the nation’s founding and early development. Clark’s inclusion underscores his recognized contribution to the nascent United States, effectively linking his frontier victories to the broader narrative of American independence. The series provided a platform to elevate Clark’s historical standing, associating him directly with the legacy of George Washington. This association amplified the stamp’s commemorative purpose and broadened its appeal beyond a purely regional audience.
The Bicentennial Series offered a cohesive framework for understanding the contributions of various figures in early American history. Other stamps in the series depicted key individuals like Martha Washington, John Paul Jones, and Paul Revere. By grouping Clark with these prominent figures, the series emphasized his national importance. The series’ widespread circulation through the postal system ensured national exposure, educating the public about Clark’s role in securing the Northwest Territory. This broad dissemination fostered a deeper appreciation for his military achievements and their impact on the nation’s westward expansion. Furthermore, the series’ cohesive theme likely boosted its collectibility, increasing the long-term value and historical preservation of the Clark stamp.
Understanding the connection between the George Rogers Clark stamp and the Washington Bicentennial Series provides crucial context for its historical significance. The series elevated Clark’s status within the national narrative, linking him directly to the legacy of George Washington. This association, coupled with the series’ wide circulation and thematic coherence, solidified the stamp’s importance as both a historical artifact and a collectible item. The series effectively transformed a commemoration of a regional victory into a celebration of national significance, underscoring the interconnectedness of events and individuals in shaping the early United States.
4. Fort Sackville Depiction
The depiction of Fort Sackville on the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp is not merely decorative; it serves as a visual representation of a pivotal moment in American historyClark’s capture of the fort during the Revolutionary War. This image directly connects the stamp to the event it commemorates, transforming it from a simple piece of postage into a miniature historical narrative. Understanding the significance of this depiction provides deeper insight into the stamp’s design and its historical context.
- Symbolic Representation of Victory
The image of Fort Sackville symbolizes Clark’s strategic victory and the subsequent American control of the Northwest Territory. This visual representation underscores the historical importance of the event, emphasizing its impact on westward expansion and the nation’s early development. The fort’s depiction acts as shorthand for the entire military campaign, encapsulating a complex historical narrative in a single image.
- Visual Storytelling
The depiction serves as a form of visual storytelling, conveying the historical narrative to a broad audience. Even without extensive knowledge of the Revolutionary War, viewers can grasp the significance of the fort as a strategic location and understand the stamp’s commemorative purpose. This visual element enhances the stamp’s educational value, fostering historical awareness and curiosity.
- Connection to George Rogers Clark
The fort’s image inextricably links the stamp to George Rogers Clark himself. The capture of Fort Sackville represents one of Clark’s most significant military achievements, solidifying his role as a key figure in the American Revolution. The visual representation on the stamp reinforces this connection, honoring Clark’s contribution to American history.
- Enhancing Collectibility
The detailed depiction of Fort Sackville adds to the stamp’s aesthetic appeal and enhances its collectibility. The image provides a focal point for the stamp’s design, creating visual interest that appeals to collectors. This careful attention to historical detail elevates the stamp beyond its functional purpose, transforming it into a desirable piece of historical ephemera.
The depiction of Fort Sackville on the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp is integral to its historical significance. It serves as a symbolic representation of victory, a form of visual storytelling, a direct link to George Rogers Clark, and an element that enhances the stamp’s collectibility. This carefully chosen image transforms a simple postage stamp into a tangible piece of American history, encapsulating a pivotal moment in the nation’s early development.
5. George Rogers Clark Portrait
The portrait of George Rogers Clark featured on the two-cent stamp issued in 1929 is integral to its commemorative purpose. The portrait, based on a painting attributed to Matthew Jouett, serves not merely as decoration but as the central focus, immediately identifying the individual being honored. This deliberate choice transforms the stamp from a simple piece of postage into a tribute to Clark’s contributions during the Revolutionary War. The inclusion of his likeness underscores the stamp’s intent to celebrate a specific historical figure and his achievements, specifically the capture of Fort Sackville. This direct visual connection reinforces the historical narrative being commemorated.
The selection of this particular portrait carries further significance. While other depictions of Clark exist, the chosen image presents him as a dignified military leader. This visual representation contributes to the stamp’s message, emphasizing Clark’s role in securing the Northwest Territory for the fledgling United States. The portrait’s prominence on the stamp effectively solidifies Clark’s place within the pantheon of American Revolutionary War heroes, placing him alongside figures like George Washington, who was also commemorated in the same series. This association elevates Clark’s historical standing, linking his frontier victories to the broader narrative of American independence. Consider, for instance, how other stamps in the series, featuring portraits of figures like Martha Washington and Paul Revere, similarly emphasize their contributions to the nation’s founding.
Understanding the significance of Clark’s portrait on the two-cent stamp provides a deeper appreciation for its historical context and purpose. The portrait’s prominence and style contribute significantly to the stamp’s message, transforming a functional object into a miniature work of art and a historical document. This focus on individual portraiture within the broader Washington Bicentennial Series reflects a conscious effort to celebrate the specific contributions of key figures in the nation’s early history. The Clark stamp, through its portrait, effectively encapsulates this commemorative intent, ensuring that his legacy, and the significance of his military achievements, are remembered and honored. The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of Clark’s role in shaping the nation’s future, connecting past events to present-day understanding.
6. Two-Cent Denomination
The two-cent denomination of the 1929 George Rogers Clark stamp is significant not only for its face value but also for its reflection of postal rates and practices of the era. This seemingly minor detail offers a glimpse into the economic realities of 1929 and the practical function of the stamp beyond its commemorative purpose. While the stamp served to honor Clark’s contribution to American history, its two-cent value grounded it in the everyday transaction of mailing correspondence. This duality of purpose, commemorative and functional, is crucial for understanding its historical context. A two-cent rate was standard for certain types of mail at the time, placing the Clark stamp within the regular flow of communication. Consider, for instance, that a standard postcard rate in 1929 was one cent, making the two-cent stamp suitable for slightly heavier or more complex mailings. This practical application ensured widespread circulation and exposure to the commemorative message.
The choice of a two-cent denomination also reflects economic considerations within the postal system. Higher denominations were reserved for more substantial mailings or services, while lower denominations like one and two cents facilitated the exchange of everyday correspondence. This tiered system optimized postal efficiency and affordability, ensuring accessibility for a broader public. The Clark stamp, by falling within this accessible range, maximized its reach and impact. Its circulation was not limited to specialized or expensive mailings, but rather integrated into the daily communications of ordinary citizens. This widespread usage contributed to the dissemination of Clark’s historical narrative, reaching a broader audience than might have been possible with a higher denomination. One can imagine individuals using the stamp for personal letters, business correspondence, or even bill payments, effectively intertwining a commemorative tribute with the mundane aspects of daily life.
The two-cent denomination of the George Rogers Clark stamp, while seemingly a minor detail, offers valuable insights into the historical context of its release. This denomination reflects the postal rates and economic realities of 1929, highlighting the stamp’s practical function alongside its commemorative purpose. By understanding this connection, one gains a richer appreciation for the stamp’s role not just as a collectible item, but as an artifact embedded within the daily lives and communication practices of its time. The stamp’s value extended beyond mere postage; it served as a vehicle for disseminating historical awareness, subtly reminding users of Clark’s contribution to the nation’s history each time it was affixed to an envelope or postcard.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 1929 George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp, providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Why was George Rogers Clark commemorated with a postage stamp?
Clark’s capture of Fort Sackville in 1779 secured the Northwest Territory for the United States during the Revolutionary War, significantly impacting westward expansion. The stamp commemorates the 150th anniversary of this pivotal event.
Question 2: What is the significance of the stamp’s release in 1929?
1929 marked the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. The stamp’s release within the broader Washington Bicentennial Series connected Clark’s contributions to the narrative of American independence.
Question 3: What does the depiction of Fort Sackville on the stamp represent?
The image of Fort Sackville symbolizes Clark’s strategic victory and the subsequent American control of the Northwest Territory, visually representing a key moment in the Revolutionary War.
Question 4: Why is the portrait of George Rogers Clark important?
The portrait, based on a painting attributed to Matthew Jouett, identifies Clark as the individual being honored and presents him as a dignified military leader, emphasizing his role in American history.
Question 5: What is the significance of the two-cent denomination?
The two-cent denomination reflects standard postal rates of 1929, demonstrating the stamp’s practical function alongside its commemorative purpose. This ensured widespread circulation and exposure to the historical narrative.
Question 6: Where can one find more information about this stamp and George Rogers Clark?
Further information can be found through philatelic resources such as stamp catalogs, historical societies focusing on the Revolutionary War period, and online archives dedicated to American history.
Understanding these key aspects of the George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp enhances appreciation for its historical significance and its place within both philately and American history.
Further exploration can delve deeper into the design process, printing methods, and the broader context of commemorative stamp production in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
The 1929 George Rogers Clark two-cent stamp stands as more than a simple postage artifact. Its issuance within the Washington Bicentennial Series effectively linked a pivotal Revolutionary War victory to the broader narrative of American independence. The stamp’s design, featuring Clark’s portrait and the depiction of Fort Sackville, encapsulates a significant moment in westward expansion, subtly educating users on a key historical event. Its two-cent denomination reflects the postal practices of its era, demonstrating the stamp’s practical function alongside its commemorative purpose. Examination reveals a multifaceted historical object, embodying elements of military history, national identity, and communication practices.
The stamp serves as a tangible reminder of the individuals and events that shaped the nation’s early development. Further research into commemorative stamps as historical artifacts offers potential for deeper understanding of how national narratives are constructed and disseminated. Preservation and study of such objects contribute to a richer, more nuanced comprehension of the past and its continuing relevance.
