"America The Beautiful" Poem by Katharine Lee Bates, Hand-Lettered Risograph Print

To commemorate the birthday of poet, activist, and author of "America the Beautiful" Katharine Lee Bates, we created this hand-lettered artwork that we printed on our risograph machine right here in Colorado Springs, where she famously penned her historic anthem in 1893 (which was later revised in 1911).

“The first draft of the poem was hastily jotted down in a notebook during the summer of 1893, which Bates spent teaching English at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Later she remembered: ’One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse.’

Bates had personally experienced sexist prejudice and discrimination, had witnessed the ravages of the industrial revolution in both America and Britain, had seen first hand urban poverty and misery, and keenly wished for equality. It was this desire for an all-inclusive egalitarian American community that inspired the poem, which was written during the severe economic depression of 1893.” -Ponder, Melinda M. (2017). Katharine Lee Bates: From Sea to Shining Sea.

Katharine Lee Bates was long engaged in a relationship, then referred to as a “Boston Marriage” or “Wellesley (the college they both taught at) Marriage” to Katharine Ellis Coman, fellow professor, social activist and “roommate” 😉.

“America the Beautiful” almost became our national anthem. Can you imagine? Amber Waves of Grain and Purple Mountain Majesties vs. Rockets’ Red Glare, the Bombs Bursting in Air? A big ol’ queer song about the great potential of our country, and yearning with wide open arms for a manifestation of brotherhood, equality and truth? Next time you see someone singing this song, remember that the words coming out of their mouth is lesbian love song (to her country). 🩷

Let us remember that queer people have existed forever and will always exist.. and that some of us also like to hike. 🥾

** Please be aware that this is printed on a risograph, not a letterpress, meaning it does not have the tactile impression that letterpress often has. We would consider this "flat printing". Thanks!