Historic USPS Compass Rose Stamp Unveiled at Southeastern Stamp Expo
Stamp collectors and history enthusiasts gathered at the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, where the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) revealed the 1794 Compass Rose Global Forever Stamp. This vibrant stamp pays homage to historical cartography with its depiction of an 18th-century compass rose.
Design and Symbolism of the Compass Rose Stamp
The stamp design features a classic compass rose, a circular figure on maps that aids in orientation by indicating north and other compass directions. Originally used to mark the eight principal winds in the 1300s, modern compass roses typically display the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and intercardinal directions (northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest).
Artistic Origins and Unique Features of the Stamp
The intricate design of the stamp is based on a 32-point compass rose drawn in 1794 by Lucia Wadsworth, a 10-year-old niece of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This historical artwork, part of the Maine Historical Society’s collections, showcases bright blue, red, yellow, and green directional points against a beige background. The stamp pane contains 10 round stamps arranged in two rows, with edge text highlighting its global usability and value.
Availability and Usage of the 1794 Compass Rose Stamp
Stamp enthusiasts who missed the expo can still obtain the Compass Rose stamps and postmarks from the Peachtree Corners Post Office, as well as at USPS locations nationwide and online. As a Global Forever stamp, the 1794 Compass Rose can be used to mail 1-ounce letters to any country with First-Class Mail International service, ensuring its value always aligns with the current international rate.
Join the Conversation and Celebrate the #1794CompassRoseStamp
Stamp collectors and history buffs are encouraged to share their enthusiasm for the 1794 Compass Rose Stamp by using the hashtag #1794CompassRoseStamp on social media. This unique stamp not only celebrates historical cartography but also connects individuals around the world through a shared love of philately and cultural heritage.
