Between 1980 and 1999, the United States Postal Service issued the Great American stamp series. The stamps contained only a few elements, including a portrait, name, “USA,” and, possibly, an occupation or reason for notability. Each stamp in the Great American series featured well-known individuals from a variety of occupations and different ethnicities. One African American, four Native Americans, and more than ten women are recognized in this stamp series. Julia Ward Howe’s Great American stamp was released on February 12, 1987. Howe, a poet, author, and activist, is best known for writing the lyrics to Battle Hymn of the Republic in 1861.