Washington Territory

This stamp was issued to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of the Washington Territory.

The stamp is 0.84 by 1.44 inches in dimension, arranged horizontally, printed by the rotary process in green, electric-eye perforated, and issued in sheets of 50.

The central scene of the stamp portrays a great expanse of water with the horizon of dominating mountains, and shows early pioneers gazing in wonder and amazement upon seeing them. The pioneers are symbolic of the early families—the type that came to settle, to build homes, to help create a Territory out of the Pacific Northwest, which they looked upon as having almost limitless possibilities. The wording "Washington Territory" appears in the top portion in dark modified Roman. Just below is the wording "Organized March 2, 1853" in dark Gothic.

In the left portion of the stamp is a scene, enclosed in a circular frame, depicting the eastern part of the state, which many of the pioneers crossed. Within the circular border, centered at the top and bottom of the scene, appears the lettering "Centennial" and the date "1953", respectively, in dark face Gothic, while to the left and right are leaves and blossoms of the state flower, the rhododendron. Some of the products for which Washington has become famous are shown directly below this scene. In a light-shaded panel across the bottom of the stamp appears the wording "United States Postage" and the denomination "3¢" in white face modified Roman.

The stamp was first placed on sale at Olympia, Wash., on March 2, 1953.