This 1966 Great River Road 5¢ First Day Cover features a block of four stamps postmarked in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 21, 1966. The cachet, designed by C. Stephen Anderson, depicts an aerial view of the scenic parkway winding alongside the Mississippi River.
The Great River Road was created to highlight one of North America's most important historic routes, stretching from the U.S.-Canada border near Kenora, Ontario all the way to New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico. For much of its length it follows the Mississippi River, offering travelers access to parks, overlooks, and recreational areas that celebrate both the river's commerce and natural beauty.
A notable detail is the stamp's bold graphic design showing the river's course in red and white against a yellow map background, emphasizing the continuous north-south corridor. The cover is addressed to Lt. Col. R. E. Brandel at the Defense Depot Ogden in Utah, a military installation with a long history of logistics and supply operations.
A clean, well-centered example that makes an appealing addition to collections focused on U.S. scenic highways, Mississippi River history, or mid-century American parkways.
