Women on United States Postage Stamps

In 1893, the United States Postal Service issued the first stamp featuring a woman, Queen Isabella I, on the occasion of the World's Columbian Exposition, a World's Fair held in Chicago honoring Christopher Columbus and those who aided in his achievements. Fourteen years later, on the centennial anniversary of her death, a stamp was issued bearing Martha Washington's likeness, making her the first American woman so honored. From here, this volume examines more than 200 stamps honoring or commemorating women and women's rights. Grouped by subject matter, the stamps are divided into 18 categories such as artists and works of art; books; entertainment; organizations; pioneers and writers. Entries provide a plethora of information including the color, denomination and method of production; date and particulars of issuance; the number of stamps issued; and the number of first-day cancels as well as specific information regarding these cancellations. The birth and death date of the subject; facts about the designer and the inscription; and any reported errors are also noted where applicable. Finally, each entry features a biographical summary of the subject and a concise bibliography of further resources. A glossary of terms related to stamps and philately is included.

Anita Price Davis is the author of Women Nobel Peace Prize Winners (2006) and North Carolina During the Great Depression (2003) and has authored/co-authored many other historical books and articles. She retired as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Education Emerita after 36 years at Converse College. Philatelist/stamp collector Louise Hunt, a former labor market analyst, is retired and lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina.