Issue Date: May 22, 1992
City: Chicago, IL
Quantity: 1,185,170

Printed By: American Bank Note Co

Printing Method: Lithographed, engraved

Perforations: 10 ½

Color: Purple, magenta, yellow green

 

This set of three stamps was printed using the same plates as the legendary 1893 Columbians, which were the first U.S. commemorative stamps. And like the Columbians, this set was printed by the American Bank Note Co.

 

On his second voyage, Columbus took his crew and a small group of settlers and headed for Hispaniola. Upon his arrival, he found that the Indians with whom he had developed a fragile relationship were no longer peaceful. Mistreatment by his original crew caused them to be wary of white men, and when they did not comply with his wishes, Columbus had the Indians enslaved. Lured to the New World with tales of gold and precious gems, the settlers grew discontent when the riches did not materialize. Fearing a rebellion, Columbus began to use force to control the colony.