FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2004

CONTACT: Nicole Nordbye, (605) 773-3301 or nicole.nordbye@state.sd.us

South Dakota Hosts Debut of Lewis and Clark Stamps

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s capital city is one of 11 sites along the Lewis and Clark Trail chosen to host a First Day of Issuance Ceremony May 14 as the U.S. Postal Service unveils three new Lewis and Clark Bicentennial commemorative postage stamps. The South Dakota Office of Tourism is assisting postal officials with the event. The Pierre ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda, will feature remarks by Jay Vogt of the South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre Mayor Dennis Eisnach and Fort Pierre Mayor Sam Tidball.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to assist in this event commemorating Lewis and Clark’s legendary journey,” said Patricia Van Gerpen, director of the South Dakota Office of Tourism. “200 years ago while in present-day South Dakota, the Corps of Discovery held the first election by U.S. citizens west of the Mississippi, held their first councils with the Yankton and Teton Sioux, and made wondrous animal discoveries. The commemorative stamps are an appropriate way to mark the importance of Lewis and Clark’s exploration of our country.”

Lewis and Clark spent the late-summer and early fall of 1804 exploring present-day South Dakota. Their return trip, in 1806, led them back through the area. 

A commemorative First Day of Issue program and special postmark, along with other collectible items, will be available at the ceremony. One stamp portrays the two explorers together surveying land along the Missouri River. The two others feature portraits of the expedition’s captains. Visit www.usps.com/shop to view the Lewis and Clark commemorative stamps.

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