A favorite of ships topicals stamp collectors, The Settlement of Jamestown stamp issue of 2007, Scott 4136, commemorated the 400th anniversary of the English Settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, on May 14, 1607.
The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, features a painting of the three ships that carried the first settlers to America. The stamp is in the shape of a triangle, as was the fort raised by the Jamestown settlers shortly after their arrival. A much-needed defense, as the settlers were attached within days of landing by the Powhatan Indians. The settlers then got to work building James Fort for defense against the natives, and the Spanish too. The walls of the fort formed a triangle around a storehouse, church, and a several houses. Bulwarks for cannons were built at the three corners to defend against a possible Spanish attack. The location for the fort was chosen as a secure place, where Spanish ships could not fire point blank into the fort.
Thus, was established the first permanent English colony in the New World. What followed were difficult lives for the settlers as they worked to establish a profitable company in the wilderness of the new world. Their darkest hour came with the winter of 1609-10 when 300 settlers crowded into James Fort as the Indians set up a siege. Only 60 settlers survived to the next spring. The survivors decided to bury the fort’s ordinance and abandon the town. It was only the arrival of the new governor, Lord De La Warr, and his supply ships that brought the colonists back to the fort and set the colony back on its feet. Some years of peace with the natives and prosperity followed the 1614 wedding of Pocahontas, the favored daughter of Chief Powhatan, to tobacco grower John Rolfe.
After Chief Powhatan’s death, his brother took leadership of the Indians of eastern Virginia in 1622. He ordered a surprise attack on the English tobacco farms and settlements and more than 300 settlers were killed. A last-minute warning spared James Fort itself, but the attack on the colony and the continuing mismanagement by the Virginia Company convinced the King to revoke the Company’s charter. Virginia became a crown colony in 1624.
The stamp issue commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement was the second issue of U.S. stamps for the settlement
The 300th anniversary of the founding of The Jamestown Settlement had been recognized in 1907 with the issuance of set of 3 United States Commemorative Stamps. Three engraved single-color stamps bearing the inscription “Commemorative Series 1907” were issued in conjunction with the Jamestown Exposition on April 26, 1907, at Hampton Roads (near Norfolk, Virginia). The stamps are designated as #328-30 by Scott. The 2-cent denomination shows the landing of the English colonists in an illustration titled “Founding of Jamestown, 1607.” Two of the most recognized figures associated with the settlement are depicted on the other two stamps: Captain John Smith, who promoted the settlement and is credited with its success, is portrayed on the 1-cent stamp; Pocahontas, who purportedly intervened to save the life of Captain Smith, is portrayed on the 5-cent stamp.
The engraved Jamestown Exposition Stamps, today, are favorites of classic collectors.
The issuing ceremony was on April 26, 1907, at Hampton Roads (near Norfolk, Virginia). The stamps are designated as #328-30 by Scott. The engraved Jamestown Exposition Stamps, today, are favorites of classic collectors.
Three engraved single-color stamps bearing the inscription “Commemorative Series 1907” were issued in conjunction with the Jamestown Exposition. The 2-cent denomination shows the landing of the English colonists in an illustration titled “Founding of Jamestown, 1607”. Two of the most recognized figures associated with the settlement are depicted on the other two stamps: Captain John Smith, who promoted the settlement and is credited with its success, is portrayed on the 1-cent stamp; Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan.
Pocahontas gained a place in American History and Legend when gaining notoriety for saving Captain John Smith from execution following his capture by the Powhatan. Later, during religious instruction to Christianity, Pocahontas met and marrier widower John Rolfe, who would become famous for introducing the cash crop tobacco to the settlers in Virginia. The stamp portrait of Pocahontas is of the only image of Pocahontas done from life, currently in the British Museum. It is interesting to note that this Native American Princess is depicted on the stamp of 1907 dressed as a refined English Lady.
So, we can again turn to philately for a lesson in the complex history the has made America a vibrant, successful nation.
