Description
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The American Landmarks Series of Priority and Express Mail stamps began with the issue of the $4.80 Mount Rushmore (US #4268) and $16.50 Hoover Dam (US #4269) stamps in 2008. Since then, two new stamps have been released nearly every year (with a few exceptions). All picture vibrant images of some of the most iconic places in America created by digital artist Dan Cosgrove. Altogether, they resemble a virtual tour of America.
History the stamp represents: The Castillo de San Marcos (St. Mark’s Castle) is the continental United States’ oldest masonry fort. It was designed by Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza and built on the western side of Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Castillo de San Marcos was originally a Spanish fort, but came under British control in 1763. It was returned to Spain in 1783 before it was ceded to the United States in 1821 under the Adams-Onís Treaty. At that time, the US renamed the structure Fort Marion and turned it into an army base. The fort was declared a national monument in 1924. After over 250 years of military service, the site was deactivated in 1933. In 1942, it was officially renamed Castillo de San Marcos.
Since being declared a national monument and being placed under the administration of the National Parks Service, the Castillo de San Marcos has become quite popular with the public. It is known for its masonry star shape and unusual coquina walls made of countless tiny shells held together by a special type of mineral. This unique building material was taken from the “King’s Quarry” on Anastasia Island across the bay from the Castillo.
It took 23 years to build the Castillo de San Marco, and it has stood for over 325 years. It has become an enduring symbol of Spain’s part in US history.
'5 Sheets of 20 First-Class Forever® USPS postage stamps. *The slash over “Forever” in the image is to protect it from being used to produce counterfeit postage. Actual stamps will not have this.
