Issuance of the First U.S. Postage Stamps - July 20, 1847

On July 20, 1847, the United States Postal Service issued its first postage stamps featuring images of prominent American figures Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. This significant development marked a pivotal moment in the history of the U.S. postal system, transitioning from a system based on hand-written marks or postmaster-specific stamps to standardized postage stamps.

Historical Context

Prior to 1847, postal services in the United States operated without uniform postage stamps. Instead, local postmasters often used their own unique creations or simply marked letters to indicate paid postage. This system was not only disjointed but also led to inconsistencies in postal charges and delivery.

The success of Britain’s Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp issued in 1840, influenced the U.S. to adopt a similar standardized approach. Congress passed an act on March 3, 1845, significantly reducing postal rates, which laid the groundwork for the introduction of national postage stamps.

Design and Production

The stamps issued on July 20, 1847, came in two denominations:

• 5 cents stamp: Featuring Benjamin Franklin, the first Postmaster General of the United States. The choice of Franklin underscored his fundamental contributions to the establishment of the American postal service.
• 10 cents stamp: Depicting George Washington, the first President of the United States. Washington’s image was already a symbol of national unity and pride, making it a fitting choice for this new federal initiative.

The designs were crafted by engraver James P. Major, and the printing was executed by the New York-based company Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson.

Impact and Aftermath

The introduction of these stamps was part of a broader modernization of the U.S. postal service, making the mailing process more efficient and accessible. Standardized postage rates were now based on weight and distance, simplifying calculations for both senders and postal workers.

Initially, the stamps were used in major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston, with usage spreading rapidly thereafter as the benefits became evident.

These initial stamps were functional yet symbolic, paving the way for the expansive philatelic culture that followed. As the United States expanded westward and communication needs grew, the adoption of postage stamps helped unify a nation spread across vast distances.

Legacy

The issuance of these first stamps marked the beginning of a rich philatelic history in the United States. Today, they are recognized not only as practical tools of the postal service but as historical artifacts, representing early efforts at national cohesion and standardization. The images of Franklin and Washington on these first issues heralded the tradition of commemorating influential American figures and moments through philately.