H6110

Mighty Mississippi

Cypress Trees, New Orleans, MS

Cover Announcement 

The name Mississippi comes from the Anishianahe tribe's word misi-ziibi meaning "great river." The French termed it "misi-zipi." This mighty river has played such an important role in our history. It became a vibrant, flowing line dividing the eastern United States from the western. Landmarks are often classified as "highest peak east of the Mississippi" or the "oldest city west of the Mississippi." If one point along the majestic waterway symbolizes the westem movement toward the Pacific Ocean, it could be St. Louis. Here where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers join together, stands the inspiring great arch. From this place, brave explorers and steadfast pioneers pushed westward. And all along its length from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the river was crossed and the West was settled. From sea to shining sea.

It is a difficult and challenging cachetmaking task to present the "Mighty Mississippi" in a set of ten first day covers. My end result was a balanced representation of the wildlife that rely on its varied watery habitats. A glimpse of the extensive existence of the Native Americans that lived and thrived along its shores. The richness of the surrounding soil and the "amber waves of grain" that we harvest. The enduring pioneer spirit that I symbolize with the sole self-reliant Kentuckian Iooking westward. A mighy river that lives in our history, our culture. and our heats.

But...in the final analysis, "Old Man River" was and is our watery highway. From the log rafts of Mark Twain's pen that gave America a sense of youthful adventure to respectful awe for the force of the river. From the powerful but elegant paddle wheelers that moved people and goods up and down the river for a century. This is what I envisioned this set of cachets would convey. Would represent. Every bit of color on each and every cachet brings the Mighty Mississippi to life. Brush stroke by brushstroke. Please walk up the gang-plank and let's enjoy this philatelic voyage together. On our great American treasure. Our great river. Our mighty "Misi-zipi." It just keeps rolling along.