Stamp Art References — Set 1

Stars and Stripes

The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colo­nies. The 50 stars represent the 50 states. The artwork depicts the “spacious skies” of “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates.

Alabama

The flag has a white field with a crimson St. Andrew’s cross. The artwork shows a shrimp boat trailed by birds.

Alaska

The flag’s blue field displays the Big Dipper — or Great Bear, a symbol of strength — and the North Star, emblem­atic of the northernmost state. The artwork features a humpback whale.

American Samoa

The flag is blue with a red-edged white triangle. Inside the white triangle is an American Bald Eagle clutching tra­ditional Samoan symbols: A war club and a staff. The art­work depicts palm trees and mountains.

Arizona

The copper star on the flag symbolizes mineral riches, and red and yellow rays recall the beauty of Arizona sun­sets. The artwork shows the Saguaro cactus, whose blos­som is the state flower.

Arkansas

The state name and four stars, representing major mile­stones in Arkansas history, appear inside the flag’s central white diamond. The blue band bordering the white dia­mond contains 25 stars (Arkansas was the 25th state to join the Union.) The artwork shows the wood duck, often seen in state ponds and streams.

California

The flag is based on a design dating from 1846 when California settlers declared independence from Mexico. The grizzly bear symbolizes strength. The artwork depicts a coastal area in central California.

Colorado

The flag’s two large blue stripes match the blue in the U.S. flag; the “C” matches the red. A golden disk fills the space inside the letter “C”. The artwork shows snowy peaks and evergreen trees.

Connecticut

The flag’s azure blue field holds the official Arms of the State. The white streamer below the shield carries the state motto. The artwork offers a glimpse of the Connecticut shoreline.

Delaware

Delaware’s flag design marks the date that the “First State” ratified the U.S. Constitution,

December 7, 1787. Inside the diamond shape above the date is the state coat of arms. The artwork features a Dela­ware beach scene.