10c Green, Ty. I (31). Cancelled by two pen strokes with “Arizona N.M. April 13” (1859) manuscript postmark on cover to Mrs. Sarah B. Dow in Portland, Maine, sender’s directive “Overland Via St. Louis”, repaired opening faults along top edge do not appear to affect stamp, carried by Butterfield stage from Arizona City to St. Louis (stage to Tipton, Missouri)

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE LATEST OF ONLY FOUR REPORTED EXAMPLES OF THE ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, MANUSCRIPT POSTMARK.

The town of Arizona City (or Arizona) was established in 1854 by Charles D. Poston and originally named Colorado City. Consisting of adobe dwellings, two stores and two saloons, it was situated on the bank of the Colorado River, opposite Fort Yuma, California. By 1858 the town became known as “Arizona City” or simply “Arizona” (the official post office name). John Blake Dow was appointed postmaster on March 17, 1858, but was replaced by Lansford Warren Hastings three months later, on July 17. The post office and Butterfield station were one small counter in the Hooper mercantile store. Originally part of Dona Ana County, New Mexico Territory, on February 1, 1860, Arizona City became part of Arizona County, New Mexico Territory. Arizona County comprised all the land of the Gadsden Purchase west of a line close to the current New Mexico-Arizona border.

The manuscript postmark was applied by Arizona City postmaster, Lansford Warren Hastings.

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