CZ105-14 – Flat Plate Printing (1928-40)
These 10 mint Canal Zone stamps were printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This special collector’s set includes the following stamps:
1¢ Gorgas – As Major General and Surgeon General of the United States Army, William Crawford Gorgas led the battle to eradicate yellow fever from the Isthmus of Panama. He later served as Canal Commissioner.
2¢ Goethals – On March 4, 1907, George Washington Goethals was appointed by President Roosevelt to be Chairman and Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission (I.C.C.). He served in that position until completion of Canal construction in 1914. Goethals then served as Governor of the Panama Canal until his resignation January 17, 1917.
5¢ Gaillard Cut – The Gaillard Cut was named after Major David DuBose Gaillard. He was in charge of the Central Division, which included all of Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. Gaillard died of a brain tumor shortly before the Canal was completed, and Culebra Cut was officially changed to Gaillard Cut in his honor.
Galliard’s Cut was an American engineering feat dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Cut through solid rock, the project was the critical task for the completion of the Panama Canal.
10¢ Hodges – Lt. Col. Harry F. Hodges (1860-1929) was responsible for the design and erection of the lock gates on the Canal.
12¢ Gaillard – Major David DuBose Gaillard was in charge of the Central Division, which included all of Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut. Gaillard died of a brain tumor shortly before the Canal was completed, and Culebra Cut was officially changed to Gaillard Cut in his honor.
14¢ Sibert – As Atlantic Division Engineer of the Panama Canal, Major William L. Sibert (1860-1935) directed the building of the Gatun locks and dam, the breakwater in Colon Harbor and the excavation of the channel from Gatun to the Atlantic.
15¢ Smith – Named Canal Commissioner, Jackson Smith’s appointment was the only instance of a civilian coming to the Canal Zone as an employee and attaining the position of Commissioner. He was the head of the bureau of Labor, Quarters, and Subsistence, recruited workers, housed them and supplied them with food. Smith’s performance was awarded by his elevation to the Commission.
20¢ Rousseau – Rear Admiral Harry Harwood Rousseau was in charge of the design and construction of all terminals, wharves, dry docks, warehouses, and other auxiliary structures. He served as Canal Commissioner.
30¢ Williamson – The only civilian engineer, Sydney B. Williamson was given responsibility for the construction of Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks.
50¢ Blackburn – Joseph Clay Styles Blackburn served on the Canal Commission and as Governor of the Canal Zone 1907-09.