This Daniel & Webster Art design features the 1968 stamp that was issued for the 150th anniversary of Illinois’ statehood which was granted on December 3, 1818. However, at that time, only the southern third of the state was settled. Nathaniel Pope, the territorial governor, had the northern border pushed to its current boundary. This gave the state access to the Chicago port area, lead deposits around Galena, and the rich dairy areas of the north. Today, more than two thirds of the state’s population lives in this northern territory. In 1837, the capital was changed to Springfield – Abraham Lincoln was the key proponent of this change.
Original unused/uncirculated stamp on back of frame.
