D.C. Sites That (Might) Belong on a Stamp

Some of the Capital City’s most iconic landmarks have appeared on stamps, but with so many historically significant sites in one place, there are plenty that haven’t yet received postage stamp fame. Issued in 2003, this diamond-shaped Washington, D.C., stamp features a collage of distinctively D.C. images—a detail of Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the city; typical row houses in the historic Shaw neighborhood; vibrant cherry blossoms; and a view of the National Mall that includes the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. In honor of the 210th anniversary of D.C.’s incorporation as a city today, we asked fans of Facebook and Twitter (are you following us?) which of their favorite monuments, parks, memorials, and hotspots in the city they’d like to see on a stamp.

We received some great suggestions across the board and picked out some of our favorites, which range from traditional, to cultural, to downright zany:

• The Old Post Office Pavilion – built in 1899, it features a beautiful clock tower and dramatic spires
• Vietnam Women’s Memorial – tucked away on the National Mall between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Reflecting Pool
• Metropolitan Police Department and Fire & EMS Department – the unsung heroes of the nation’s capital
• Ben’s Chili Bowl – a D.C. institution churning out half-smokes and chili cheese fries since 1958
• Eastern Market – the open-air farmer’s, crafter’s, and flea market in the heart of Capitol Hill
• Marine Barracks Washington – the oldest active post in the Marine Corps
• Rock Creek Park – a haven of natural beauty and solitude in a high octane city
• Mumbo (or mambo) sauce – a true D.C. staple, this red-orange condiment has a subculture unto itself
• Metro – as much as we may hate the morning rush hour delays, the convenience of navigating the city without a car is undeniable

Have an idea of a D.C. destination that would look great on a stamp? Let us know in the comments!

National Book Month: Doris L. Rich’s Queen Bess

Before any stamp is issued, USPS wants to know not only what stamp subjects looked like, but also the details of their lives and the social and historical significance of their accomplishments. In most cases, books form the backbone of our research.

When we decided to commemorate Bessie Coleman as part of the Black Heritage series there weren’t a lot of reliable, comprehensive sources available to us. But we lucked out because just as we were beginning work on the stamp, Doris L. Rich published her fascinating study, Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator (1993).

Through Rich’s work we were properly introduced to Bessie Coleman, who worked tirelessly to pursue her dream to create an aviation school for young, black aviators. As a black woman in the early 20th century, Coleman was not allowed to attend American flying schools. After earning her pilot license at a French aviation school, “Brave Bessie” performed stunt-flying routines all around the United States. In 1995 she became the 18th person honored in the Black Heritage series of stamps and the fifth woman to be honored in the series.