Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:
322 Linden Avenue, South San Francisco, California
( Marker is at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Miller Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Linden Avenue.)
Marker installed: 2017

"The Grand Walk"

  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.

The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a huge influx of people to the state. In just two years, the population of San Francisco grew from 1,000 to 25,000. However, only a small percentage of gold-seekers actually struck it rich, and many ended up in debt or poverty.
California random facts
San Mateo County, located in Northern California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Ohlone people, who lived off the land and coastline. European exploration began in the late 18th century, with Spanish explorers and missionaries venturing into the region.

In the early 19th century, the Mexican government granted large land grants, known as ranchos, to influential individuals. Rancho San Mateo was one of these grants, encompassing much of what is now San Mateo County. The California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s brought an influx of settlers to the region, leading to the development of towns and a growing economy.

The completion of the Central Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century boosted the county's growth, providing easier access for trade and transportation. With the railroad's arrival, cities like Redwood City and San Mateo saw rapid development and urbanization, attracting more people to the area.

In the 20th century, San Mateo County experienced further growth with the rise of technology and industry. Companies like Oracle and Electronic Arts chose to establish their headquarters within the county, contributing to the region's reputation as a tech hub. Today, San Mateo County remains a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy, beautiful coastline, and a blend of rural and urban areas.

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

  • 1856 - San Mateo County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1860s - The county experiences rapid growth with the development of railroads and the expansion of the local economy.
  • 1892 - The Crystal Springs Dam is completed, providing a reliable water source for the growing population.
  • 1906 - The Great San Francisco Earthquake causes significant damage in San Mateo County.
  • 1931 - The county's first Bay Bridge, connecting San Mateo and Hayward, is opened.
  • 1942 - During World War II, the county becomes a center of defense and military activity.
  • 1967 - The iconic Cow Palace is constructed in Daly City.
  • 1974 - The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, a major transportation link, is completed.
  • 1990s - The county experiences further economic growth and technological advancements.
  • 2002 - The completion of the Devil's Slide Tunnel provides a safer and more reliable transportation route along the coast.