Postage stamps and postal history of Queensland facts for kids
This article explores the fascinating story of postage stamps and postal history in Queensland. Queensland was once a British colony, which means it was ruled by Britain. Today, it is a large state in Australia. Learning about its stamps helps us understand how people sent messages long ago.
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When Did Queensland Get Its First Stamps?
Queensland started using its own postage stamps on 1 November 1860. Before this, from 1851, people in Queensland used stamps from New South Wales. This was because Queensland was part of New South Wales before it became a separate colony.
Queen Victoria on Stamps
Every postage stamp issued by Queensland featured Queen Victoria. She was the Queen of Britain for a very long time. Seeing her picture on every stamp showed that Queensland was part of the British Empire.
What Are Revenue Stamps?
Sometimes, stamps were used for more than just sending mail. Between 1 January 1880 and 1 July 1892, special stamps called revenue stamps were allowed for postal use. Revenue stamps are usually for collecting taxes or fees, not for postage. But for a while, Queensland let people use them to send letters too!
Where to See Old Queensland Stamps
If you are interested in seeing these old stamps, a large collection is kept at the Queensland Museum. It's a great place to learn more about Queensland's past.
