U.S. #2869, issued on October 18, 1994, as part of the "Legends of the West" set, commemorates significant figures and aspects of Western Americana. Here are the details about this commemorative stamp:
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Stamp Category: Commemorative
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Set: Legends of the West
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Value: 29¢, rate for first-class mail
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First Day of Issue: October 18, 1994
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First Day Cities: Tucson, Arizona; Lawton, Oklahoma; Laramie, Wyoming
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Quantity Issued: 385,656,000
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Printed by: Stamp Venturers
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Printing Method: Photogravure
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Format: Panes of 20 in sheets of 120
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Perforations: 10.2 x 10.1
Why the stamps were issued: The Legends of the West sheet was the inaugural issue in the Classic Collection Series, conceived to honor Western Americana.
About the stamp designs: Artist Mark Hess dedicated nearly two years to crafting the artwork for these stamps. Each stamp features a prominent figure or aspect of Western history:
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Home on The Range: Depicts cowboys herding cattle on the open range.
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Buffalo Bill: Features the famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody against a backdrop of buttes.
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Jim Bridger: Portrays the legendary mountain man against a forest scene.
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Annie Oakley: Honors the sharpshooter with imagery inspired by her performances in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
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Native American Culture: Captures various elements of Native American life, including a warrior performing the Dog Dance.
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Chief Joseph: Depicts the Nez Perce leader based on several images, set against a mountainous landscape.
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Bill Pickett: Corrected version of the stamp, based on a movie poster for the 1923 film "The Bull-Dogger."
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Bat Masterson: Shows the lawman in front of a building, reflecting his urban environment.
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John Fremont: Pictures the general in his Army uniform with a mountainous background.
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Wyatt Earp: Depicts the legendary lawman in his iconic attire.
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Nellie Cashman: Honors the humanitarian known as the "Miners’ Angel."
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Charles Goodnight: Features the cattle baron with a herd of cattle and mountain scenery.
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Geronimo: Portrays the Apache warrior against a forest and mountain backdrop.
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Kit Carson: Shows the trailblazer with a fur cap and rifle, set against a mountain and waterfall.
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Wild Bill Hickock: Captures the iconic figure with a handful of cards, reflecting his gambling reputation.
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Western Wildlife: Showcases various animals of the West, including a bison, bald eagle, grizzly bear, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep.
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Jim Beckwourth: Depicts the explorer with a distinct winter background.
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Bill Tilghman: Features the lawman resting his hand on a saddle horn against a rural backdrop.
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Sacagawea: Honors the Shoshone guide who aided the Lewis and Clark expedition.
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Overland Mail: Depicts a stagecoach traveling through a mountain pass, representing the historic overland mail service.
Special design details: The stamp set was famous for its two errors, including a misidentification of Bill Pickett and the accidental sale of 186 error sheets before the official release.
About the printing process: The stamps were printed using photogravure, with text printed under the gum for visibility after soaking. The ink used was approved by the FDA as non-toxic.
First Day Cities: First-day ceremonies were held in Laramie, Wyoming; Tucson, Arizona; and Lawton, Oklahoma, each with historical significance to Western Americana.
About the Legends of the West: The stamp set honors individuals and themes integral to the history of the American West, including explorers, lawmen, Native Americans, and wildlife.
History the stamps represent: The stamps pay tribute to key figures and events in Western history, capturing the spirit of exploration, settlement, and frontier life that shaped the American West.
