Centering on the two-hundredth anniversary of his birth, a two year celebration began in February 2008 to honor the life and legacy of the UnitedStates sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln.Even 200 years after Lincolns birth, the nation is still in formation. Certainly the country has grown, but that growth has been at the cost of splintering of many parts of our society. Competing values, interests, and beliefs, have complicated Lincolns goal to find unity in our diversity. In his Gettysburg address, Lincoln reminded what the brave men, living and dead did on the battlefield and challenged the living to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work of those men.The Bicentennial commemoration of his life and legacy will be a bright beacon to completing our nations unfinished work. Educational programs, public forums, and arts projects held during celebration should prompt us all to evaluate what it means to be American in the 21st century.
Additional information on events scheduled in North Dakota can be found at State Historical Societies website at while nationwide activities can be found at
Mandan's Connection to the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial
The "4-cent Lincoln," as the name implies, features President Abraham Lincoln. This stamp was issued to accommodate the August 1, 1958 increase in first-class postage rate after twenty-six years at three cents. Originally issued on November 16, 1954, this red-violet stamp features Lincolns likeness inspired by a portrait by Douglas Volk. First-class postage remained four cents through January 6, 1963, and this stamp was the workhorse during that period.
Abraham Lincoln currently ranks third as the subject of a US postage stamp. Only George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have appeared on more stamp issues.
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Both the 4-cent Lincoln roll coil and booklet panes were issued on July 31, 1958. The first day covers for the coil stamps were only issued at Mandan post office singled out for the honor due to its proximity of Fort Abraham Lincoln. First day covers (FDCs) for the booklet panes were issued on the same date at Wheeling, West Virginia. FDCs feature unique artwork known as cachets applied to envelopes affixed with the new postage stamp but only on the date of first of issue and only the select post office(s). These postage FDCs are collected nationally. Eight cachets for this stamp as well as a blank envelope stamped on that date are presented above.
Mrs. Margaret (George H.) Bingenheimer, Mrs. Fanny (John L.) Bowers and Mrs. Anne (Lyman N.) Cary, all early Mandan pioneers and wives of early day prominent businessmen, were given the honor of purchasing the first new four-cent Lincoln coil stamp. In the weeks before the release, over 100,000 letters were received by the Mandan Post Office for first day cancellations. According to Mandan postmaster J. J. Murray, more than $60,000 worth of the new 500-stamp rolls were on hand for the first day of its release. In addition to the 100,000 letters, 50,000 envelopes were cancelled for stamp dealers across the country and around the world. First day cachets were affixed to envelopes from France, Australia and the Philippines. The permenant staff was supplemented with 18 temporary workers to assist with the first day issues. The new Lincoln stamp replaced the three-cent purple "Statue of Liberty-In God We Trust" stamp which previously filled the role.
The MHSoc's museum and office is located at 411 W Main St, Mandan, ND 58554 Contact us at info@mandanhistory.org or leave message at (701) 751-2983
