SALT LAKE CITY – They pay homage to the tallest,
largest, fastest, loudest,
longest, oldest and hottest that America has to offer —
and the Southwest is well
represented.
Southern Utah’s Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest
natural bridge at 290
feet high and spanning 275 feet, is one of 40 new
postage stamps titled "Wonders of America," which depict
the most remarkable places, structures, plants and
animals in America. Stamp subjects range from the
loudest animal, to the oldest trees, to the deepest
lake. The stamps debuted May 27 at post offices
nationwide.
"Standing at the foot of Rainbow Bridge is an
experience like no other, and
simply getting to this remote national park site –
whether it is boating across Lake Powell or hiking in –
is all part of the adventure," said Kitty Roberts,
National Park Service superintendent of Rainbow Bridge
National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation
Area.
"We are delighted that the U.S. Postal Service is
once again highlighting America’s national parks on
postage stamps."
Other Southwest-related "Wonder" stamps include
Largest Desert: Great Basin;
Largest Mountain Chain: Rocky Mountains, and Largest
Plant: Quaking Aspen. The Wonders of America Stamps can
be viewed at USPS.com by clicking on "stamp preview."
"Through postage stamps, the nation continues to
discover the many wonders
of [the Southwest]," said USPS District Manager Ken
McArthur. "Two months ago it was Bryce Canyon; now it’s
Rainbow Bridge."
On the front of each stamp, in large letters, are
words that describe the
superlative nature of a particular place or thing.
Smaller type gives the name or location of the featured
wonder. Text on the back of each stamp provides relevant
statistics and other interesting information.
The text for the Rainbow Bridge reads: "The world’s
largest natural bridge,
Rainbow Bridge is in southern Utah. It is 275 feet
across and 290 feet tall. This sandstone wonder holds
spiritual significance for various American Indian
groups and was designated a national monument in 1910 by
President Taft."
Rainbow Bridge National Monument was created by
President Taft using the
Antiquities Act. Passed by Congress in 1906, this
law is a hallmark of American conservation and is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Many of the most famous national parks, such as Grand
Canyon and Zion, were
first established using the Antiquities Act.
Today, Rainbow Bridge receives 100,000 annual visitors,
most of whom arrive by boat from Lake Powell, a part of
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Wonders of America stamps, and stamp-related
products, such as First Day
covers, Digital Color Postmarks, post cards, and
posters, will be available, while supplies last, at
postal stores, online at USPS.com/shop, and by phone at
1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724).
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