Fort Collins, Sep 9th/65, manuscript postmark tying 1861, 3¢ rose (s.e. at left) on cover to New York, with "Official Business, U.S.A. Medical Department" corner card imprint; barest cover reduction at left, Very Fine and choice, the earliest recorded example of this early manuscript postmark, mailed during the office's third month of operation, illustrated in Jarrett's Colorado book. Estimate  $500 - 750. Originally an encampment for Mormon emigrants., Fort Collins was established in the fall of 1863 to protect the Overland Stage Route from Indian activity. By 1867 the need no longer existed, but the town grew as a stage station on the Overland Route and as an agricultural community. $0 (Image)