California became a state in 1850 – just a year after the start of the great "gold rush" – and now has the highest population of any state. The Greetings From California stamp features the Bay Bridge in the evening, with its suspension cables outlined by lights and the San Francisco skyline gleaming in the distance. Palm trees from Santa Catalina Island and two golden poppy blossoms (the state flower) complete the design.

The "Lone Star" state of Texas became the 28th state when it joined the Union in 1845. The central image of the Greetings From Texas stamp is the Alamo in San Antonio. In 1836, over 180 Americans defending the Alamo – including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett – were massacred by Mexican troops. The Alamo became a rallying point in Texas' independence. Also shown on the stamp is a yellow rose (from the famous Texas song "The Yellow Rose of Texas") and a Texas longhorn.

New York was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States, and it was the 11th state to ratify the Constitution and join the Union. The Greetings From New York stamp features three of the best-known landmarks in the state: the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Niagara Falls. The spotlights beaming from the Manhattan skyline symbolize New York as a world-renowned center of theatrical activity.