On May 17, 2008, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the United States Postal Service will release a pane of 20 42¢ stamps commemorating Minnesota Statehood. Designed by Ethel Kessler with photography by Richard Hamilton, the stamp issue features a photograph of the view just northwest of the city of Winona. Winona was settled in 1851 and by 1860 became one of the largest towns in Minnesota. The image is a striking view of the city: a large bridge spanning the Mississippi River with the islands of the Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge filling the background. The stamp issue is a wonderful addition to the statehood issues of prior years, and the design is sure to honor 150 years of statehood. The Minnesota Statehood issue can be pre-ordered from the USPS website until May 17, 2008 where it will then be available at local post offices.