Georgia State Bird and Flower Stamp

On April 14, 1982, the U.S. Postal Service issued a sheet of 50 stamps commemorating the state bird and flower of each state. This marked the second time for the U.S. to issue a sheet of 50 different stamps (the first occasion being the sheet of 50 state flags issued in 1976 to mark the American Bicentennial)

National first day of issue ceremonies for the sheet were held in Washington, D.C. Additionally, special first day ceremonies were held in each state capital. Those attending could obtain a special postmark with a special postmark created for canceling the stamp at a Post Service booth in the capitol. [Click here to see canceled stamp on a souvenir envelope.]

The Cherokee Rose was declared to be the official state floral emblem of Georgia by a joint resolution of the General Assembly approved on Aug. 18, 1916.

On April 6, 1935, Gov. Eugene Talmadge by executive proclamation declared the Brown Thrasher as Georgia's state bird. However, the state attorney general later issued an official opinion ruling that designating state symbols was a legislative power. Thereafter, the General Assembly approved a joint resolution on March 20, 1970, declaring the Brown Thrasher Georgia's official state bird. [Click here for the Georgia Wildlife Federation's web page on the Brown Thrasher.]

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

Go to Georgia on Stamps page

Go to Secretary of State's Brown Thrasher page

Go to Secretary of State's Cherokee Rose page

Go to GeorgiaInfo Cheroke Rose page