Trans-Mississippi was a common name of the geographic area west of theMississippi River during the 19th century. The term "Trans-Mississippi" was historically used to refer to any land "across the Mississippi" (or the entire western two-thirds of the United States), includingNebraska,Iowa,North Dakota,South Dakota,Kansas,Minnesota,Arkansas,Louisiana,Missouri,Texas,New Mexico,Arizona,California,Nevada,Colorado,Montana, Wyoming,Idaho,Washington andOregon. It also includedIndian Territory (nowOklahoma),Alaska,Hawaii, and other U.S. territories.[1][2]
In 1898, aTrans-Mississippi Exposition was held inOmaha, Nebraska.
Thepostage stamps of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue are considered some of the most beautiful stamps ever issued by the United States, and a complete set of the "Trans-Miss" has been highly prized since its 1898 issue.[3] Demonstrating the ongoing significance of the event and its focus, on its 100th anniversary in 1998, a set of stamps using designs derived from the original issue was issued to commemorate its 100th anniversary.[4]