County of fort: Charleston County
Location of fort: Charleston Harbor, Charleston
The stamp depicts the Confederate shelling of the fort. And the modern picture does not have the bursting bombs, or shells exploding, but has a dock, which is not of the stamp.
"Fort Sumter will join movie stars, musicians and artists being honored in 2011 with stamps from the U.S. Postal Service.
"The stamp commemorates the firing on the fort in Charleston Harbor on April 12 and 13, 1861, and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.
"The firing on the federal fort by Confederate troops marked the beginning of the bloodiest war in American history.
"The Fort Sumter National Monument will hold events from April 9 to 17.
"The Postal Service announced its 2011 lineup Tuesday.
"Ronald Reagan, an actor who had a more lasting impact as the 40th president, will be honored in February with a stamp on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Also getting a stamp for a 100th birthday: the Indianapolis 500.
"Other events being commemorated with stamps include the 150th anniversary of Kansas' statehood and the 50th anniversary of U.S. manned spaceflight. In addition to a stamp featuring Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is one noting the Mercury orbit of the spacecraft Messenger, expected to take place in March.
"Actress Helen Hayes, twice the winner of an Academy Award, will be honored with a stamp. Joining her is another Oscar winner, actor Gregory Peck.
"Performers being remembered in the Latin Music Legends series are Carmen Miranda, Selena, Carlos Gardel, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz.
"Animated characters like Buzz Lightyear get their due in a series of Disney Pixar stamps from the movies "Cars," "Ratatouille," "Toy Story," "UP" and "WALL*E."
"Meanwhile, beginning in January, all new stamps good for 1 ounce of first-class mail will be marked as "forever."
"The move is designed to help customers cope with postage increases, a Postal Service official told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The new policy will be announced Jan. 14, the official said.
"When the Postal Service unveiled its commemorative stamps, all were marked "forever" instead of the current rate of 44 cents.
~ The Post And Courior, Charleston, December 28, 2010