About U.S. Stamps
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American Poets

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3-cent James Russell Lowell single

The Post Office Department issued seven groups of commemorative stamps between January 29 and February 12, 1940. These commemoratives stimulated tremendous interest in stamp collecting across the nation.

The second group, released between February 16 and February 24, 1940, celebrates American poets. Those honored in the series include Walt Whitman, James Whitcomb Riley, James Russell Lowell, Henry W. Longfellow, and John Greenleaf Whittier. Besides portraits of the poets, the stamps bear an image of the winged horse Pegasus, the steed which sprang from Medusa's neck when she was beheaded. Using an image of Pegasus on these five stamps represents the immortality of the poets' works and its timeless influence worldwide.

Steven J. Rod

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1-cent Henry Wadsworth Longfellow single

The 1-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 16, 1940, honors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). Longfellow's epic poetry includes American classics such as "Evangeline," "The Song of Hiawatha," "Paul Revere's Ride," "The Village Blacksmith," and "The Wreck of the Hesperus."

Gordon T. Trotter

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2-cent John Greenleaf Whittier single

An outspoken abolitionist and human rights advocate, John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) appears on the 2-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 16, 1940. Whittier, known as the 'Quaker Poet', revealed many details of nineteenth century New England life in his poetry. Among his ballads are the popular "The Barefoot Boy" and "Barbara Frietchie."

Gordon T. Trotter

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3-cent James Russell Lowell single

The 3-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 20, 1940, depicts James Russell Lowell (1819-1891). Among the nineteenth century's most prominent American writers, Lowell edited the Atlantic Monthly, which he helped found, for several years, and also edited the North American Review. He published widely in support of the abolitionist cause. Among his works are "The Vision of Sir Launfal," an Arthurian epic of the search for the Holy Grail, and "The Bigelow Papers," satirical writings in Yankee dialect opposing the Mexican-American War and supporting the Union cause in the Civil War.

Gordon T. Trotter

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5-cent ultramarine Walt Whitman single

Walt Whitman (1819-1892) appears on the 5-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 20, 1940. Whitman was one of the few poets of his era to depart from a conservative style, making frequent use of rambling blank verse and free verse. His prolific output culminated in the anthology "Leaves of Grass."

Gordon T. Trotter

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10-cent dark brown James Whitcomb Riley single

The 10-cent Famous American Poets stamp, issued February 24, 1940, pictures James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916). Born in Greenfield, Indiana, Riley was known as the 'Hoosier Poet'. He composed many poems about the ordinary working people of the Midwest. Familiar titles include "When the Frost is on the Punkin'" and "The Old Swimmin' Hole." His collection "A Child-World" led to his other unofficial title, 'The Children's Poet'.

Gordon T. Trotter

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