About the inspiration for the feature stamp : It was in 1843 . . . and, hence, this cover’s status as a 150 Year Anniversary FDC . . . when approximately 1,000 pioneers left Independence, Missouri in their covered wagons to start a long, arduous 2,000 mile trek to the Oregon Territory, inspired by reports they had heard about a new Mecca, beaming with opportunity, free land, and good weather.

Across treacherous plains, deserts, and mountains, young families plodded along, while braving the hostility of various American Indian tribes, in hopes of reaching their new Promise Land. Along the way, they buried their dead --- but still, their indomitable spirit prevailed. By 1846, those who survived, settled in their new land, which was formally dubbed the Oregon Territory, by an act of Congress.

About the feature stamp, itself : this 4-color stamp feature highlights, in red, the path 2,000 mile route taken by the pioneer hopefuls, from its starting point in Independence, Missouri, right up to the western-most point of Oregon.

About hand drawn and hand painted cachet : on well laid-out cachet, Mr. Conyers reminds us that covered wagons was the source of travel for those seeking their new world in the West, as we see a couple plodding across the perilous open plains in the 4-horsed wagon.

About the cancellation : aptly enough, this cover was canceled in Oregon’s capital city of Salem.

About the Scarcity Factor : please note that Mr. Conyers made only 24 of these art-pieces, as noted on the envelope’s Side-B.

All in all, an all-over cachet which spotlights what has come to be known in our nation’s history as the Westward Expansion Movement.