painting of cherry blossom tree branch, the Tidal Basin, and the Jeffersion Memorial
Plant for a More Beautiful America approved stamp art

Illustrator: Gyo Fujikawa

The 1966 Beautification of America stamp was issued to support public beautification projects advocated by Lady Bird Johnson. The stamp’s image shows Japanese cherry trees in full bloom around Washington, DC’s Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background. It was intended to “make a showcase of beauty on the Washington Mall” and encourage public interest in beautification and conservation projects.

Courtesy United States Postal Service, Postmaster General's Collection