Issue: USA Landing of The Sweden Finns Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 4
Stamps Denomination: 3 C, 3C, 3C, 3C
Issue Date: 1938
Issued By: United States Postal Service (USPS)
Commemorating Early American Settlers
The Landing of the Sweden Finns Stamp pay tribute to the early Swedish and Finnish settlers who played a significant role in the colonization of the American Northeast. Issued to celebrate the contribution of these two groups the stamp highlights the New Sweden colony established in 1638 along the Delaware River which became a foundation for later American development. This stamp serves as a symbol of early European immigration and the diverse roots of America colonial history.
The Arrival of the Sweden Finns in America
In the early 17th century the Sweden Finns arrived in what is now the United States as part of a broader wave of European colonization. They established the New Sweden colony located in present-day Delaware Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The first ship Kalmar Nyckel brought settlers to the banks of the Delaware River where they built Fort Christina named after the young Swedish Queen Christina. The colony lasted until 1655 when it was taken over by the Dutch but the Swedes and Finns left a lasting cultural and agricultural legacy in the region.
Their contributions to the early American colonies included introducing log cabin construction which became an iconic symbol of frontier life in America. The settlers also established farming communities and interacted with local Native American tribes fostering a spirit of cooperation that shaped the early dynamics of the area.
Stamp Design: A Glimpse into Colonial History
The Stamp features imagery that reflect the arrival of these settlers in the New World. A typical design may show the Kalmar Nyckel the ship that brought the first Swedish settler to America sailing into the Delaware River. Other elements might include representations of Fort Christina showcasing the early Swedish settlement or images of log cabins highlighting the Swedish and Finnish contributions to early American architecture.
The stamp design often uses earthy tones like brown, green and blue to evoke the natural landscape of the early colonies. It might also include historical symbol like the Sweden flag or the Finnish coat of arms emphasizing the national heritage of the settlers.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Stamp offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser known aspect of early American colonization. The stamp is part of a broader effort to recognize the diverse ethnic group that contributed to the development of the United States celebrating the contributions of Swedish and Finnish immigrants in shaping American society.
The stamp serves as an educational tool highlighting the cultural and architectural influences that these settler brought to the American colonies. It also reflects the broader story of European immigration to the New World reminding collectors of the many groups who came to America seeking new opportunities and leaving a lasting impact on the country history.
In summary the U.S. Landing of the Swedes and Finns Stamp is a commemorative piece that honors the pioneering spirit of these early settlers their contributions to American life and their lasting legacy in the history of the United States.
