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Postage stamps do much more than just make it possible for your mail to be
delivered. For over 150 years, the U.S. Postal Service®, through its stamp
program, has celebrated the people, events, and cultural milestones that form
our unique American experience. United States postage stamps help tell the story
of our shared heritage, one that is immensely rich because of its diversity.
This booklet celebrates many of the Hispanic people, places, and achievements
that have been honored on our postage stamps. They include explorers, pioneers,
statesmen, athletes, entertainers, artists, and educators - people who have
made a difference to our culture and to our history.
Since precolonial times, Hispanic people have contributed to the history and
development of the Americas. When the Pilgrims were disembarking from the Mayflower
at Plymouth Rock, established cities were expanding in Florida, the Southwest,
and the Caribbean. Today, Hispanic people continue to influence every aspect
of our society.
In the years since 1869, when the Postal Service™ issued the first of the
60 stamps pictured in this booklet, the U.S. Postal Service has told their story
with our postage stamps. It is a story we will continue to tell in the years
to come.
Like our nation, the Postal Service has evolved and grown over time. The process
of transformation is a part of our history and of our future. We will continue
to transform to meet the challenges of the 21st century, so that we can provide
affordable, dependable mail service to everyone in America - no matter who,
no matter where.
John E. Potter
Postmaster General
Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz, born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz III, fled his native Santiago, Cuba,
with his family after a revolution in 1933. After working briefly for Xavier
Cugat in New York, Arnaz returned to Miami, where he introduced the Conga Line.
It was such a hit that Arnaz returned to New York to start his own band. He
was offered a role in the 1939 Broadway musical Too Many Girls and later starred
in the film version. He met his future wife Lucille Ball there. During his two
years of Army service during World War II, he entertained the troops. After
that, he served as orchestra leader on Bob Hope's radio show from 1946 to 1947.
In 1949, Ball and Arnaz co-founded Desilu Productions to run I Love Lucy, which
ran for six years on CBS and became the most successful television program in
history.
Stamp issued: 1999
Simón Bolívar
The South American general known as El Libertador (the Liberator), Simón
Bolívar, brought independence to six present-day nations, and he is considered
one of the greatest military figures in South American history. His victories
helped Bolivia (named in his honor), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela
win independence from Spain. Two stamps honor Bolívar - an 8-cent stamp
and a 4-cent - stamp in the Champions of Liberty series.
Stamps issued: 1958
Juan Rodríquez Cabrillo
In 1542, soldier, navigator, and explorer Juan Rodríquez Cabrillo led
the first European expedition to the shores of what is now the state of California.
Little is known about Cabrillo’s early years. Some biographies describe
him as being born in Portugal, but living most of his life in Spain. Other biographers
write that he was born in Spain. For many years, Cabrillo’s discoveries
went unrecognized and unappreciated. Spain didn’t make any claims to California
until the late 18th century, when colonization started. The Postal Service issued
a 29-cent stamp honoring Cabrillo.
Stamp issued: 1992
Cesar E. Chavez
Cesar E. Chavez is best known for founding the United Farm Workers of America,
AFL-CIO in 1962. He remained its president and continued to work for human rights
causes until the time of his death. His experiences as a migrant farmworker
since age 10 fueled his efforts to help others achieve fair wages, medical coverage,
pension benefits, and other rights and protections. According to Paul Chavez,
Cesar’s son and Chairman of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, “The Cesar
E. Chavez commemorative stamp is a powerful vehicle to introduce new generations
of Americans to his vital legacy, teaching them that through determination and
hard work they can improve their own lives and communities.”
Stamp issued: 2003
Dennis Chavez
As a United States senator, Dennis Chavez fought for the rights of Hispanic
residents and Native Americans in his home state of New Mexico. Chavez served
as a senator for 27 years, from 1935 to 1962. He was a strong defender of civil
rights, and he paved the way for subsequent legislation. While others avoided
the subject or denied the existence of discrimination against Hispanics, Senator
Chavez was not afraid to bring the issue into elections and politics. Chavez
is honored on a 35-cent stamp in the Great Americans series.
Stamp issued: 1991
Roberto Clemente
Proud of his Hispanic and African-American roots, Roberto Clemente relied on
his upbringing to weather incidents of racial prejudice that occurred early
in his baseball career. He said, “I don’t believe in color, I believe
in people. My mother and father taught me never to hate someone because of their
color.” He was known for his zeal and passion for his sport, his inclusive
attitude, and his devotion to serving the poor. He was not just a great baseball
player but a great humanitarian too. He died tragically in an airplane crash
while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua on December
31, 1972. A 20-cent stamp and a 33-cent stamp were issued in his honor.
Stamps issued: 1984 and 2000
David G. Farragut
Admiral David G. Farragut was a naval commander for the North during the Civil
War. His success at capturing New Orleans in the Battle of Mobile Bay earned
him a place in history as one of America’s most celebrated civil war heroes.
The Postal Service issued three stamps featuring Farragut - a $1 stamp, a 3-cent
stamp, and a 32-cent stamp in the Civil War series.
Stamps issued: 1903, 1937, and 1995
General Bernardo de Gálvez
The Spanish governor of the Louisiana territory (which encompassed 13 of our
present states), Bernardo de Gálvez is an unsung hero who greatly contributed
to the winning of the American Revolution. General Gálvez launched brilliant
campaigns against the British in Louisiana and West Florida by organizing a
military force of regular troops, militia, volunteers, and a few Americans.
His victories during the revolution contributed significantly to the struggle
for American independence because he prevented the British from gaining access
to the strategically located Mississippi River Valley. The city of Galveston,
Texas, is named in honor of his contributions during the American Revolution,
and he is honored on a 15-cent stamp.
Stamp issued: 1980
Hispanic Americans
Hispanic Americans have contributed to national security and the overall development
of the United States. Deeply committed to the principles of freedom, courageous
Hispanic people have served with valor on the battlefield and with distinction
on the home front for more than two centuries. Over three dozen Hispanic Americans
have received the highest decoration our nation can bestow on its heroes - the
Medal of Honor. Hispanic men and women have also made significant contributions
to the arts and sciences, music, athletics, philosophy, and numerous other areas.
The legacy and achievements of the Hispanic community are an important part
of the heritage we all share as American citizens. To honor the contributions
of Hispanic Americans, a 20-cent stamp was issued. The stamp depicts several
Hispanic men and women in uniform representing each branch of the military.
A young boy and girl appear in the background as symbols of a promising future.
Stamp issued: 1984
Frida Kahlo
Best known for her striking self-portraits, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was
influenced by pre-Columbian art and Mexican folk art. Her works embody the pride
of Mexico’s national patriotic movement, called Mexicanidad, which pulsed
throughout the country following the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century.
This sense of Mexican patriotism in Kahlo’s work has significantly influenced
Chicana artists in the United States. While a teenager, Kahlo sustained serious
injuries in a bus accident, which would affect her health for the rest of her
life. Triumph and suffering in her own life and in the lives of women in general
are recurrent themes in Kahlo’s paintings. Since the mid-1970s, she has
been a role model for women in the Mexican-American and feminist communities.
Frida Kahlo is honored on a 34-cent stamp.
Stamp issued: 2001
Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León began his career of exploration in 1493 as a member
of Christopher Columbus’s second expedition to the New World. Nine years
later, he traveled to the West Indies. In 1508 and 1509, he explored and settled
Puerto Rico, founding the island’s oldest settlement, Caparra, near what
is now San Juan. Ponce de León served as the island’s first governor.
Royal orders to colonize new lands and to acquire additional sources of gold,
combined with the desire to discover the legendary Fountain of Youth, led to
his discovery of Florida in 1513. A 20-cent stamp was issued to honor Ponce
de León.
Stamp issued: 1982
Luis Muñoz Marín
After holding many offices in Puerto Rico and improving ties with the United
States, Luis Muñoz Marín was the first governor elected by the
people of Puerto Rico in 1947. He helped draft Puerto Rico’s constitution,
and he helped Puerto Rico to become a self-governing Commonwealth of the United
States in 1952. Marín fought hard for the interests of Puerto Rico’s
poor people. He is honored on a 5-cent stamp issued as part of the Great Americans
series.
Stamp issued: 1990
José de San Martín
Soldier and statesman General José de San Martín played a major
role in winning independence from Spain and bringing freedom to his native Argentina.
He also won independence for Chile and Peru. To honor Martín’s accomplishments,
4-cent and 8-cent stamps were issued in the Champions of Liberty series.
Stamps issued: 1959
Father Junípero Serra
Spanish Franciscan priest Miguel Serra y Abram was born in Petra, Majorca (i.e.,
Mallorca), a farming village. In 1730, at the age of 16, Miguel entered the
Franciscan order and took the name Junípero, the name of Saint Francis’s
close, extroverted friend. He founded nine missions of California (including
San Diego and San Francisco) and was responsible for the baptism of over 6,000
Native Americans. Pope John Paul II of the Roman Catholic Church beatified him
in September of 1988. Serra is honored on a 44-cent airmail stamp.
Stamp issued: 1985
John Philip Sousa
Famous American composer and bandmaster John Philip Sousa was born in Washington,
D.C., on November 6, 1854. Sousa, also known as the “March King,”
ranks among the most famous American composers and conductors. At the age of
six, he studied several musical instruments, including violin and trombone.
His father Antonio Sousa, played trombone in the United States Marine Band.
In 1867, Sousa’s father enlisted him in the Marines as an apprentice at
age 13. Sousa was discharged from the Marines in 1875, but in 1880 he returned
to lead the Marine Band. After two successful tours with the Marine Band in
1891 and 1892, promoter David Blakely convinced Sousa to resign and organize
a civilian concert band. Sousa took his advice and formed his own band, which
toured Europe several times and was the first American band to make a tour around
the world. On December 25, 1896, he composed The Stars and Stripes Forever,
the official march of the United States. Sousa was honored on a 2-cent stamp.
Stamp issued: 1940
Ritchie Valens
In an all-too-brief career, Latin rock and rhythm composer and singer Ritchie
Valens was the first Chicano rock and roll star. Valens was born Richie Valenzuela
in 1941 in Pacoima, California, an area north of Los Angeles where he lived
his entire life. He learned to play the guitar and joined a band in high school.
Valens later met Del-Fi Records producer Bob Keane and recorded Come On, Let’s
Go. He also wrote a song for a girl he liked and named it for her; Donna was
a nationwide hit and earned Valens an appearance on American Bandstand. At the
age of 17, Ritchie Valens was killed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, along
with Buddy Holly, J. P. Richardson (the “Big Bopper”), and pilot Roger
Peterson. At the time of his death, Valens biggest hit, Donna was number two
on the pop charts and La Bamba had hit the charts 26 days before his death.
On March 19, 2001, Ritchie Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame. Valens is remembered on a 29-cent stamp in the Legends of American Music
(rock and roll, rhythm and blues) series.
Stamp issued: 1993
Padre Félix Varela
Born in 1788 in Havana, Cuba, Padre Félix Varela quickly distinguished
himself as a great educator. During his professional career, Varela did something
considered strange for that time - he taught and defended the principle of giving
women the same education as men. In the early 1820s, Padre Félix Varela
concentrated his efforts on helping poor minorities living in New York City
and founded nurseries and orphanages for the children of poor widows. He organized
the New York Temperance Association and lived in hospitals while caring for
cholera victims during an epidemic in 1832. Varela also founded the first Spanish
newspaper in the United States. He published articles about human rights and
essays on religious tolerance, cooperation between the English- and Spanish-speaking
communities, and the importance of education. His 30 years of humanitarian work
earned him high esteem in the United States and abroad, including being named
Vicar General of the New York diocese of the Roman Catholic Church. Varela died
in 1853, but his legacy continues through the Félix Varela Foundation,
which has locations in Miami and New York. Varela is honored on a 32-cent commemorative
stamp.
Stamp issued: 1997
Christopher Columbus
Although mariner and navigator Christopher Columbus was not the first European
to sail to the New World, his four voyages (1492-93, 1493-96, 1498-1500, and
1502-04) mark the beginning of continuous European efforts to explore and colonize
the Americas. Although Columbus was Italian and kept his Genoese citizenship,
he spent his adult life in the service of Castile, Spain. He was the eldest
son of Domenico Colombo, a wool-worker and small-scale merchant, and his wife,
Susanna Fontanarossa. Columbus had two younger brothers, Bartholomew and Diego.
Columbus spent eight years convincing Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain to give
him three ships and 90 men to search for a new route by sea to Asia (Cathay)
and prove his theory that the Earth was round. On August 3, 1492, the fleet
of three ships - the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María - set forth
from Palos on the Tinto River in southern Spain. The first sighting of land
came at dawn on October 12. Thinking he had reached the East Indies, Columbus
referred to the native inhabitants of the island as Indians, a term that was
ultimately applied to all indigenous people of the New World. The United States
celebrates a national holiday in his honor (on the Monday closest to October
12, the date of the first landfall in 1492). Columbus, his brothers, and others
in his party are depicted on numerous stamps, which are shown and identified
as follows:
Columbian Exposition
The World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, was the first
critically and economically successful U.S. world’s fair. The exposition
was to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s landing in the New
World. The Postal Service issued the following special series of 13 postage
items to honor this event. Each stamp in the series shows a different scene
commemorating events related to Columbus’s landing in America.
Stamps issued: 1893
Bartholomew Columbus
An Italian explorer for Spain, Bartholomew Columbus (also known as Bartolome
Colon and Bartolomeo Colombo) accompanied his brother Christopher Columbus on
his second voyage to the Americas in 1493 and his fourth voyage to the Central
American coast from 1502 to 1504. He founded the Santo Domingo settlement in
1496, and was governor of the Spanish settlements in Hispaniola from 1496 to
1498. Bartholomew is pictured on a $2 commemorative stamp in the Columbian series.
Stamp issued: 1893
Stamp reissued: 1992
Christopher Columbus
Stamp issued: 1992
Diego Columbus
Seventeen years younger than his brother Christopher, Diego Columbus sailed
with his brother on his second voyage. Diego is seen on a $2-stamp in the Columbian
series on which, he is seen standing with his brother Christopher who is in
chains. The stamp was later reissued as a $2 commemorative stamp.
Stamp issued: 1893
Stamp reissued: 1992
Columbus’s Landing in Puerto Rico
On September 25, 1493, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain on his second
voyage with 17 ships and almost 1,500 men. On November 19, 1493, Christopher
Columbus landed on the western coast of Puerto Rico. The Taino Indians who greeted
Columbus showed him gold nuggets in the river. The city of Puerto Rico quickly
became Spain’s most important military outpost in the Carribean. A 15-cent
stamp was issued to honor this historic event.
Stamp issued: 1993
First Voyage of Christopher Columbus:
Stamps issued: 1992
Rodrigo de Escobedo (Escobar)
As the legal officer or notary aboard the Santa Maria, Rodrigo de
Rodrigo de Escobedo (Escobar)
As the legal officer or notary aboard the Santa Maria, Rodrigo de Escobedo witnessed
discoveries and recorded all official transactions in the name of Spain. The
Niña, Pinta, and Santa María sailed on September 6, 1492, from
the Old World to the New World and arrived on the shores of Guanahani Island
on October 12. Escobedo duly witnessed the great event at the site that was
named Fernandez Bay. Escobedo is seen on a 15-cent stamp in the Columbian series,
which shows him in the center of the painting Landing of Columbus by John Vanderlyn.
Escobedo is standing behind Columbus, which indicates his importance. The stamp
was reissued as a 29-cent commemorative stamp.
Stamp issued: 1869
Stamp reissued: 1992
Alonso de Ojeda
Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda sailed with Christopher Columbus on his second
voyage in 1493. He sailed with Columbus again in 1499 and 1500, along with Amerigo
Vespucci and Juan de la Cosa. Ojeda is seen on a 15-cent stamp in the Columbian
series. On the stamp, he is pictured in John Vanderlyn’s painting Landing
of Columbus. Ojeda is standing behind the left side of the flag wearing a feather
in his hat and a gun on his shoulder. The stamp was reissued as a 29-cent commemorative
stamp.
Stamp issued: 1869
Stamp reissued: 1992
Juan Pérez
As guardian and confessor to Queen Isabella, Juan Pérez was impressed
with Christopher Columbus’s proposal for an expedition to the west. Pérez
succeeded in having Christopher Columbus recalled to the royal court for another
hearing about his expedition. Pérez accompanied Columbus on his second
voyage in 1493, and he is credited with celebrating the first Mass and building
the first church in the New World. Pérez is seen on a 30-cent stamp,
which was reissued as a commemorative stamp. On the stamp, Pérez is at
the table on the left.
Stamp issued: 1893
Stamp reissued: 1992
Martin Alonso Pinzón
Spanish explorer Martin Alonso Pinzón commanded the Pinta on Christopher
Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas in 1492. Pinzón’s family
and two other families - the Niños and the Quinteros - made it possible
for Christopher Columbus to outfit and man his ships for the voyage west. Pinzón
took his younger brother Francisco Pinzón on the voyage as ship’s
master. Martin Pinzón is seen in the center of the 15-cent stamp, which
was reissued as a 29-cent commemorative stamp.
Stamp issued: 1869
Stamp reissued: 1992
Vicente Yáñez Pinzón
Spanish explorer Vicente Yañez Pinzón commanded the Niña
on Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas in 1492. Vicente
was part of a famous maritime family - the Pinzóns on Palos. His family
and two others - the Niños, and the Quinteros - were instrumental in
furnishing ships and crew for Christopher Columbus’s voyage in search of
the Indies. Vicente is seen just to the left of the center of a 2-cent stamp,
which was reissued as a 2-cent commemorative stamp.
Stamp issued: 1869
Stamp reissued: 1992
Rodrigo Sánchez
As the royal comptroller, Rodrigo Sánchez was to account for all riches
acquired on Christopher Columbus’s sailing voyage westward in hopes of
reaching the east. Sánchez also had to ensure that Columbus adhered to
the terms of the agreement that Columbus made with Spain in April 1492. Sánchez
is seen on a 15-cent stamp, which was reissued as a 29-cent commemorative stamp.
Stamp issued: 1869
Stamp reissued: 1992
Voyages of Columbus:
Royal Favor Restored
First Sighting of Land (not pictured)
Stamps issued: 1992
World Columbian Stamp Expo
Stamp issued: 1992
The Alamo
As the historic 18th century Franciscan mission, the Alamo symbolizes the spirit
of determination and resistance of Texans who fought for their independence
from Mexico during the Texas Revolution. After losing San Antonio in December
1835 during the Siege of Bexar, Mexican General Santa Anna was determined to
retake the location and to inform Texans of their fate if they continued to
resist Mexican rule. Over 180 Texans (regular army and volunteers) took refuge
in the fortified grounds of the Alamo. The Mexican forces had grown to over
2,000 troops when they stormed the Alamo fortress. William B. Travis, James
Bowie, Davy Crockett, and over 180 other defenders died, but the heroic resistance
roused fighting anger among Texans, who six weeks later defeated the Mexicans
at San Jacinto, crying “Remember the Alamo!” The chapel-fort became
a state preserve in 1883. The complex, which was restored in 1936-39, is now
a major tourist attraction. The Alamo is featured on a 3-cent Republic of Texas
stamp and on a 9-cent Alamo stamp.
Stamps issued: 1936 and 1956
Alliance for Progress
Established by the United States and 22 Latin American countries, the Alliance
for Progress began in 1961 during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. Described
as the U.S. assistance program for Latin America, the Alliance was to counter
the appeal of revolutionary politics. The program included assistance to relieve
the continent’s poverty and social inequities and provided military and
police assistance to counter a communist revolution. The charter of the Alliance,
which was formulated at an inter-American conference at Punta del Este, Uraguay,
called for an annual increase of 2.5 percent in per capita income, the establishment
of democratic governments, more equitable income distribution, land reform,
and economic and social planning. However, the United States reduced its commitments
to Latin America as it became preoccupied with the Vietnam War and Latin American
nations were unwilling to implement many of the necessary reforms. The Organization
of American States disbanded the permanent committee created to implement the
alliance in 1973. A 5-cent commemorative stamp was issued to mark the second
anniversary of the establishment of the Alliance for Progress.
Stamp issued: 1963
Alta California
Spain founded its first civil settlement in 1777 in Alta (upper) California
at what is now the city of San José (i.e, El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe).
Before 1777, Spain established a chain of eight missions and presidios in Alta
California, which proved inadequate to secure the territory from invasion. Spain’s
solution to this problem was to establish a permanent civilian population to
produce food and other goods for the missions and presidios. The civil settlements
in Alta California had a profound influence on the development of the West Coast
and the entire United States. The founding of El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe
dominates the history of the West Coast as the founding of the Plymouth Colony
dominates the history of the East Coast. Alta California included the present
states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Wyoming, Colorado,
and New Mexico. A 13-cent stamp was issued to commemorate the bicentennial year
of the establishment of the civil settlements in Alta California.
Stamp issued: 1977
California Settlement
In 1769, Gaspar de Portola who was accompanied by Father Junipero Serra led
a Spanish expedition to settle California. At what is now San Diego, the first
of 21 missions and presidios began the Spanish colonization. A 6-cent stamp
was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the settlement of California.
Stamp issued: 1969
Cinco de Mayo
A date of great importance for Mexican and Mexican-American communities, Cinco
de Mayo marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle
of Puebla on May 5, 1862. On that day during the French occupation of Mexico,
General Zaragoza and his troops were victorious over the greatest military power
in the world at that time. Mexicans who had previously shown little interest
in their country’s future felt pride, nationalism, and determination to
defend Mexico’s sovereignty. The phrase “Viva el Cinco de Mayo!”
inspired increasing numbers of Mexicans to aid their country during the war
that lasted from 1863 to 1867. In the United States, people of Mexican descent
celebrate this significant day by having parades, mariachi music, folklorico
dancing, and other types of festive activities. The celebration gives Mexican
Americans an opportunity to celebrate their cultural pride and their hopes for
the well being, dignity, and advancement of Mexico and Mexican people everywhere.
A 32-cent stamp and a 33-cent stamp were issued to honor this event.
Stamp issued: 1998 and 1999
Coronado Expedition
Inspired by Marcos de Niza’s description of the Seven Cities of Cibola
in what is now Arizona, Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
led the first expedition through the American Southwest. A 3-cent stamp was
issued, which depicts a reproduction of Gerald Cassidy’s painting Coronado
and his Captains.
Stamp issued: 1940
Gadsden Purchase
In 1853 James Gadsden, the U.S. Minister to Mexico, signed a treaty with that
country to pay $10 million for a strip of land that is now largely the state
of Arizona. The Gadsden Purchase represented the last major addition of territory
to the United States and created the current southwestern boundary with Mexico.
A
3-cent stamp was issued to honor the important purchase.
Stamp issued: 1953
Mexican Independence
Shortly before dawn on September 16, 1810, Father Miquel Hidalgo made a crucial,
impulsive decision that led to Mexico’s bloody struggle for independence
from Spain. In the early 19th century, Mexicans were discussing how to revolt
against Spain. Father Hidalgo, the leader of a revolutionary group, heard that
the Spanish government had ordered his arrest. In response, he rang the church
bell on the night of September 15, 1810, to call his congregation to church
for mass. When the people arrived, Father Hidalgo rallied them to fight. He
gave a speech that is now called Grito de Dolores. In it he said, “Viva
Mexico!” and “Viva la independencia!” These famous words are
still remembered and repeated at Mexican Independence Day celebrations. The
United States and Mexico jointly issued stamps with similar designs. The American
version is a 4-cent stamp that marked the 150th anniversary of Mexican independence.
Stamp issued: 1960
Palace of Governors
As the oldest public building in the United States, the Palace of Governors
was built by Spanish settlers in 1610. The government in New Mexico was located
at the site from 1610 until 1901. During those years, the flags of Spain, Mexico,
the Confederacy, and the United States flew over this historic building. The
building, which is in Sante Fe, New Mexico, is now a museum. A 11/4-cent stamp
was issued to commemorate this historic site.
Stamp issued: 1960
Panama Canal
The 51-mile long waterway path that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans -
the Panama Canal - officially opened on August 15, 1914, when the U.S. cargo
ship Ancon made a historic first transit. A sea-level canal crossing had been
a dream ever since Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa saw the eastern shores
of the Pacific Ocean after he crossed the Isthmus of Panama in 1513. In 1534,
King Charles I of Spain ordered the first studies for the construction of a
canal through the isthmus. However, the Spanish government eventually abandoned
its interest in the canal. In 1880, French company directed by Vicomte Ferdinand
de Lesseps, who was hailed for his work as builder of the Suez Canal, led the
French effort to construct the canal. In 1889, de Lesseps and the company had
to abandon the project. In 1903, the province of Panama declared its independence
from Columbia and immediately signed the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty, which authorized
the United States to start construction of the Canal in 1904. It was President
Theodore Roosevelt’s determination to make the Panama Canal a reality that
led to the massive effort that, in the end, produced one of the engineering
marvels of the century. A 3-cent stamp was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary
of the opening of the Panama Canal and a 32-cent stamp was also issued to commemorate
the event.
Stamps issued: 1939 and 1998
Pan American Union
The Pan American Union was founded in 1889-90 at the first of the modern Inter-American
Conferences as the Commercial Bureau of the American Republics. The organization
was formed to promote international cooperation; offer technical and informational
services to all the American republics; serve as the repository for international
documents; and through subsidiary councils, further economic, social, judicial,
and cultural relations. In 1902, the name was changed to the International Bureau
of the American Republics. It wasn’t until 1910 that the name Pan-American
Union was adopted. In 1948, the Pan-American Union was made the General Secretariat
for the Organization of American States. However, the anniversary of its founding
is Pan-American Day. A 3-cent stamp was issued to honor the 50th anniversary
of the founding of the Pan-American Union.
Stamp issued: 1940
Panama-Pacific Exposition
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition opened in San Francisco, California,
on February 20, 1915. The Exposition honored the discovery of the Pacific Ocean
and the completion of the Panama Canal. The following series of stamps was issued
in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 cents to commemorate the opening of the
Panama Canal and the discovery of the Pacific Ocean:
Stamps issued: 1913
Puerto Rico Election
In 1949, Luis Muñoz Marín became Puerto Rico’s first elected
governor. As governor, Marín started Operation Commonwealth. The goal
of the program was to achieve more self-rule from the United States. Puerto
Rico succeeded in becoming a commonwealth of the United States in 1952, as a
result of Marín’s efforts. A 3-cent stamp was issued to celebrate
the first Puerto Rican gubernatorial election.
Stamp issued: 1949
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Founded in 1521, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the oldest city flying the American
flag. An 8-cent stamp was issued to commemorate San Juan’s 450th anniversary.
Stamp issued: 1971
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Located on what today is the Pápago Indian Reservation in Tucson, Arizona,
San Xavier del Bac Mission, which is also known as “White Dove of the Desert,”
is a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial architecture. Jesuit Father Kino founded
the mission in 1692 to serve the local Pápago tribe. In 1783, Franciscan
monks began to renovate the mission. Today’s renovated building, which
is part Moorish and part Byzantine, has a domed roof and is an adobe jumble
of frescos, carved saints, and two lions. The lions represent Castile and are
often decked with white satin bow ties. The mission is depicted on a block of
four 8-cent Historic Preservation stamps.
Stamps issued: 1971
Settlement of Florida
Florida was the first continuous Spanish settlement in the New World. Spanish
admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded St. Augustine in 1565, naming the
location in honor of the saint whose feast was on the day the settlement was
established. A 5-cent stamp was issued to mark the 400th anniversary of the
founding of St. Augustine. At the same time, Spain also released an almost identical
stamp, except for the necessary differences in language and denomination.
Stamp issued: 1965
Spanish-American War
Sent to Cuba in 1898 to protect American interests, the U.S.S. Maine was rocked
by a mysterious explosion while moored in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898.
More than 250 American sailors were killed. An ensuing investigation could not
determine the cause of the explosion, although popular sentiment blamed the
Spanish. To stir sentiment in support of war against Spain, the American press
used the popular slogan “Remember the Maine.” Two months after the
sinking of the battleship Maine, America declared war on Spain. To remember
the USS Maine and the Spanish-American War, the Postal Service issued a 32-cent
stamp.
Stamp issued: 1998
Southwest Settlement
In 1598, a Spanish expedition led by Don Juan de Oñate created the first
European road in the United States, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal
Road to the Interior Land) and later built the first European settlement west
of the Mississippi at San Gabriel. The expedition initiated 400 years of commerce
and cultural exchange throughout the Southwest. A 32-cent stamp was issued,
which features a photograph of La Mision de San Miguel de San Gabriel. The building
is a replica of the church at San Gabriel and is located in present-day Espanola,
New Mexico, near the site of the original Spanish settlement.
Stamp issued: 1998
U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico)
A possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is located
in the Caribbean Sea, about 1,000 miles southeast of Miami. Puerto Rico is comprised
of the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islets of Vieques, Culebra, and
Mona. When Christopher Columbus arrived there in 1493, the peaceful Taino Indians,
who were being challenged by the warlike Carib Indians, inhabited the island.
After Puerto Ricans began to press for independence, Spain, in 1897, granted
the island broad powers of self-government. But during the Spanish-American
War of 1898, American troops invaded the island, and Spain ceded it to the United
States. Since then, Puerto Rico has remained an unincorporated U.S. territory.
It’s people were granted American citizenship under the Jones Act in 1917;
were permitted to elect their own governor, beginning in 1948; and now fully
administer their internal affairs under a constitution approved by the U.S.
Congress in 1952. A 3-cent stamp featuring the island of Puerto Rico was issued.
Other 3-cent stamps issued in this series featured the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Hawaii, and Alaska.
Stamps issued: 1937
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