# 5360 - 2019 First-Class Forever Stamp - Statehood: Alabama Bicentennial
US #5360
2019 Alabama Statehood
• Honors the 200th anniversary of Alabama’s statehood
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 55¢ First Class Mail Forever
First Day of Issue: February 23, 2019
First Day City: Huntsville, Alabama
Quantity Issued: 25,000,000
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor Tagged, Block Tag
Why the stamp was issued: To commemorate the bicentennial of Alabama becoming the 22nd state in the Union.
About the stamp design: Pictures a sunset photograph of Cheaha State Park by Alabama photographer Joe Miller.
First Day City: Due to inclement weather, the First Day of Issue Ceremony was moved to the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum in Huntsville, Alabama.
History the stamp represents: Alabama has a rich and varied history that makes it stand out among the other states. It was not part of the original 13 colonies, and took until December 14, 1819, to become a state. Until achieving statehood, it was occupied by several different countries over many years.
Before Europeans first arrived in America, Alabama was inhabited by Native Americans who called themselves Albaamo. When the Spanish arrived in 1540, they misunderstood the name as Alibamo or Alibamu. The French occupied the territory starting around 1702, and also took up this name, calling the nearby river Rivière des Alibamons. It is easy to see how the British came to call the territory “Alabama.”
Historians agree on the origin of “Alabama,” but still debate the true meaning of the word. Some say it came from the Choctaw words alba and amo, meaning “herb gatherers,” as the local Native Americans were known for their use of medicinal plants. In 1842, the Jacksonville Republican declared “Alabama” to mean “Here We Rest.” This proved popular with the public, but was unsupported by language experts.
Whether these definitions are correct or not, they are a fun part of Alabama’s history. They helped shape the state into the thriving community of diverse cultures it is today.
US #5360
2019 Alabama Statehood
• Honors the 200th anniversary of Alabama’s statehood
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 55¢ First Class Mail Forever
First Day of Issue: February 23, 2019
First Day City: Huntsville, Alabama
Quantity Issued: 25,000,000
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor Tagged, Block Tag
Why the stamp was issued: To commemorate the bicentennial of Alabama becoming the 22nd state in the Union.
About the stamp design: Pictures a sunset photograph of Cheaha State Park by Alabama photographer Joe Miller.
First Day City: Due to inclement weather, the First Day of Issue Ceremony was moved to the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum in Huntsville, Alabama.
History the stamp represents: Alabama has a rich and varied history that makes it stand out among the other states. It was not part of the original 13 colonies, and took until December 14, 1819, to become a state. Until achieving statehood, it was occupied by several different countries over many years.
Before Europeans first arrived in America, Alabama was inhabited by Native Americans who called themselves Albaamo. When the Spanish arrived in 1540, they misunderstood the name as Alibamo or Alibamu. The French occupied the territory starting around 1702, and also took up this name, calling the nearby river Rivière des Alibamons. It is easy to see how the British came to call the territory “Alabama.”
Historians agree on the origin of “Alabama,” but still debate the true meaning of the word. Some say it came from the Choctaw words alba and amo, meaning “herb gatherers,” as the local Native Americans were known for their use of medicinal plants. In 1842, the Jacksonville Republican declared “Alabama” to mean “Here We Rest.” This proved popular with the public, but was unsupported by language experts.
Whether these definitions are correct or not, they are a fun part of Alabama’s history. They helped shape the state into the thriving community of diverse cultures it is today.