Born in February: Commemorative Postage Stamps

This article discusses the place in postal history of four distinct personalities born in February: Frederick Douglass’, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Hopkins, and gen. John Burgoyne. These personalities are historical and cultural landmarks due to their important roles within the US social, historical, and political context. And these postage stamps celebrate their memory and place in the U.S.’s forefathers patrimony.

Born in February: Frederick Douglass

Born in February 1818, abolitionist, educator, and social reformer Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838. He later became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time.

Known for his powerful and persuasive oratory skills, Douglass was one of the loudest voices in the abolitionist movement. He was also played a key role in ending slavery in the U.S. His honoring in postal history starts in 1967 with the 25¢ Frederick Douglass postage stamp. This stamp is part of the Prominent Americans series of postage stamps. Here’s a detailed account of Frederick Douglass and his postage heritage.

Country	Scott Catalogue Number	Name	Face Value	Issuing Year	Color	Postage Description
United States of America	#1290	Frederick Douglass	25¢	1967	Rose Lake	Frederick Douglass –Prominent Americans series

Born in February: Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born in February 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. In 1860, he was elected the 16^th president of the United States. Lincoln became one the most revered presidents for his leadership during the Civil War. He wrote the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. This Proclamation helped pave the way for the 13^th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865.

He has appeared on over fifty U.S. postage stamps, making him one of the most honored presidents in postal history. The 4¢ Abraham Lincoln postage stamp of 1965 is the first stamp in the Prominent Americans Series, which honors figures playing important roles in U.S. history. Read more about Abraham Lincoln and his heritage.

Country	Scott Catalogue Number	Name	Face Value	Issuing Year	Color	Postage Description
United States of America	#1282	Abraham Lincoln	4¢	1965	Black and White	Abraham Lincoln – Prominent Americans series

Born in February: Mark Hopkins

Born in February 1802 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Mark Hopkins became a teacher of moral philosophy and rhetoric. Later serving as president of Williams College from 1836 to 1872. 1940 is the issuing year of the Mark Hopkins stamp as part of the Famous Americans series of postage stamps.

Hopkins graduates from Williams College in 1824 and from Berkshire Medical College in 1829. After briefly practicing medicine in New York City, he returns to Williams College in 1830. In 1936, he is ordinated as a Congregationalist minister, thus becoming the youngest university president in the United States. Furthermore, Hopkins, a follower of the Socratic method of teaching, had a reputation for being both a teacher and friend to his students. Here’s an in-depth article about Mark Hopkins.

Country	Scott Catalogue Number	Name	Face Value	Issuing Year	Color	Postage Description
United States of America	#870	Mark Hopkins	2¢	1940	Carmine Rose	Mark Hopkins – Rose Carmine

Born in February: Gen. John Burgoyne

Born in February 1722, John Burgoyne was a British army officer, politician, and dramatist. Burgoyne is most known for his role in the American Revolutionary War. His initial successes against colonial forces lead to his defeat. He surrendered his entire army of 5,895 men at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.Born in February: Gen. John Burgoyne

The defeat was an important turning point for American independence, inspiring the John Burgoyne postage stamp. In 1994, a John Burgoyne postage stamp with a face value of $1 represents the 1869 design of the 1821 painting. The blue John Burgoyne stamp shows him surrendering his sword to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga. Read more about the gen. John Burgoyne postage stamp.

Country	Scott catalogue number	Name	Face Value	Issuing Year	Color	Postage Description
United States of America	#2590	Surrender of Burgoyne	$1	1994	Blue	Surrender of Burgoyne - Blue

Conclusion

As seen above, these postage stamps commemorate important figures in the American history. Douglass, a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, ended slavery. His contributions are paramount. Lincoln is one of our American presidents with the highest praise.  His contributions to building the U.S.A., his honesty, integrity, and leadership add up to his reputation. And Mark Hopkins was a renowned educator, theologian, and friend, ranking among the most important American figures and four postage stamps honor his legacy.

What are your thoughts on the Frederick Douglass postage stamp and the Prominent Americans Series? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.