Patriotic American poster stamp with a woman loading a cannon

Poster stamp featuring an image of Molly Pitcher. The stamp is from the “This is America” series of poster stamps, which was distributed in the 1930s and 1940s. Poster stamps were collectable stamps, slightly larger than postage stamps, with designs similar to posters. Although they were not valid for postage, poster stamps could be affixed to letters and envelopes as a means for fundraising, propaganda, and educational purposes. The “This is America” series of poster stamps was a collection of 99 stamps that each feature a unique illustration. These images depict historical figures, institutions, holidays, past times, landmarks, and events that celebrate the history and heritage of the United States. Molly Pitcher is a legendary Revolutionary War heroine, whose story was likely constructed from the actions of real life women during the war. Molly was said to have been carrying water to the front lines during the battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, on June 28, 1778. During the battle, her husband, who was manning a cannon, became incapacitated, and Molly selflessly took on his duties for the duration of the battle. The story may have been inspired by the lives of Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, Margaret Corbin, and Deborah Sampson.