Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
1730 18th St., Bakersfield, California
( Marker is on 18th St., on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2015

  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

During World War II, California was home to several important military installations, including Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The state's aircraft manufacturing industry also played a crucial role in the war effort.
California random facts
Kern County, located in California's Central Valley, has a rich and diverse history. It was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Yokuts and Kitanemuk people, who lived off the land for thousands of years.

The region was first explored by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century. In 1772, Father Francisco Garcés established a mission in the area, which brought the Catholic faith and European culture to the indigenous people. The Spanish presence expanded with the establishment of the El Camino Viejo trade route, also known as the Old Spanish Trail, which connected the missions of Alta California to New Mexico.

During the mid-19th century, Kern County experienced significant growth and development. The discovery of gold in the Kern River in 1851 attracted thousands of prospectors, leading to the establishment of the town of Havilah as the county seat. However, the gold rush soon subsided, and the county turned to agriculture as the dominant industry. The completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s further facilitated the transportation of crops, fueling the county's agricultural boom.

In the early 20th century, oil was discovered in Kern County, changing its landscape once again. The Kern River Field, discovered in 1899, became the first major oil field in California. This led to an oil boom that transformed Kern County into one of the largest oil-producing regions in the state. The economy flourished, attracting people from all over the country and bringing new wealth to the area.

Today, Kern County is known for its thriving agriculture and oil industries, as well as its natural beauty. The region is home to stunning landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the world-famous Sequoia National Forest. Kern County also boasts vibrant communities and a diverse population, which continues to shape its history and contribute to its ongoing development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kern County, California.

  • 1772 - Spanish explorer Pedro Fages explores the area
  • 1806 - Spanish missionaries establish a mission near the present-day site of Bakersfield
  • 1826 - Jedediah Smith becomes the first American to explore the region
  • 1851 - Gold is discovered in the Kern River
  • 1854 - Kern County is established as one of the original 27 counties in California
  • 1865 - Construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad begins in Kern County
  • 1899 - The first oil well is successfully drilled in Kern County, leading to the development of the local oil industry
  • 1913 - The city of Bakersfield is incorporated
  • 1952 - Completion of the Isabella Dam on the Kern River
  • 1977 - The Kern County Museum is founded