U.S. #5524
2020 55¢ Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor
Value: 55¢ 1-ounce First-class rate (Forever)
Issue Date: September 17, 2020
First Day City: Plymouth, MA
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset, intaglio, microprint
Format: Pane of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 25,000,000
On November 11, 1620, a group of Puritans known as the Pilgrims made history. Their ship, Mayflower, finally arrived in the New World and they disembarked near modern-day Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This event became known as a defining moment in American history, and its 400th anniversary was celebrated in 2020. The United States Postal Service issued a new Forever stamp to mark the occasion.
The Pilgrims left England due to disagreements with the Church of England. They sailed away to Holland, and stayed there for a time. Eventually, they were persecuted for their faith in this new country as well. The Pilgrims believed they had no choice but to go to the New World and start fresh. After a number of delays, they finally began their journey across the Atlantic on September 6, 1620. This was a particularly dangerous time to sail. It was known to be the season for strong western gales in the North Atlantic.
The Pilgrims sailed Mayflower through several horrific storms on their journey, including one that almost destroyed the main beam of the ship. Luckily, they managed to stabilize the ship, and Mayflower was able to continue sailing. The Pilgrims' determination and dream of living a life of religious freedom allowed them to overcome dire odds and finally reach America.