U.S. 1975 Salem Poor 10¢ First Day Cover – Cambridge, MA (March 25, 1975)

This is an Official First Day Cover (FDC) from the United States, issued on March 25, 1975, for the 10¢ Salem Poor stamp (Scott #1560), part of the Contributors to the Cause Bicentennial series honoring lesser-known heroes of the American Revolutionary War.

The multicolored stamp depicts Salem Poor (c. 1747–1802), an African American patriot and former enslaved man who fought as a minuteman and soldier. It shows him in colonial attire with a musket, ready for battle, against a dramatic background, inscribed "Contributors To The Cause... Salem Poor Gallant Soldier" with the 10¢ denomination and U.S. markings.

The cover is an ArtCraft cacheted envelope featuring:

• A main illustration of the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775), showing colonial soldiers charging with flags and bayonets.
• An inset portrait of Salem Poor.
• Text highlighting his commendation for "heroics during the Battle of Bunker Hill" and service at Valley Forge and White Plains.
• Bottom inscription: "Honoring SALEM POOR Gallant Soldier" and "DISTINGUISHED PATRIOT OF BUNKER HILL, VALLEY FORGE AND WHITE PLAINS."

Postmarked with a circular cancel from Cambridge, Massachusetts (near Bunker Hill), dated MAR. 25 1975, including "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" in the bars and ZIP code 02139.

Salem Poor earned a citation from 14 officers for his "brave and gallant" actions at Bunker Hill, where he reportedly shot a British officer. As a free Black man (after purchasing his freedom), he served in multiple campaigns. This stamp was the second in a four-stamp set recognizing diverse contributors to independence (others included Sybil Ludington, Peter Francisco, and Haym Salomon), issued in different cities for the U.S. Bicentennial buildup.

Popular with collectors for its Black history theme, Revolutionary War Bicentennial tie-in, and high-quality ArtCraft design (often unaddressed). The series emphasized inclusivity in American heroism.