Historical Marker

Ojai Post Office Tower and Portico

Historical marker location:
201 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, California
( Marker is at the intersection of Ojai Avenue and Signal Street, on the right when traveling east on Ojai Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1993

  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.

California was the site of the nation's first successful oil well in 1892. The well was drilled in the city of Los Angeles and produced about 25 barrels of oil a day. Today, California remains a major oil-producing state.
California random facts
Ventura County, located on the southern coast of California, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was occupied by Native American tribes such as the Chumash and Gabrielino for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In the late 18th century, Spanish missionaries began establishing missions in the area, including Mission San Buenaventura, which was founded in 1782 and remains a prominent historical landmark today.

After the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, California came under Mexican rule, and Ventura County became a part of it. However, in 1848, the region's fate changed with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and ceded California to the United States. Ventura County experienced an influx of settlers during the California Gold Rush, leading to the establishment of agricultural communities and the growth of the local economy.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant developments in Ventura County. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation, stimulating further economic growth. The county's agricultural sector flourished, with crops like lemons, citrus fruits, and avocados becoming major exports. The oil industry also became a prominent feature of Ventura County's economy, attracting companies such as Standard Oil and Union Oil.

In the post-World War II era, Ventura County experienced rapid population growth and urban development. The construction of a highway system brought new residents and businesses to the area, leading to the establishment of cities like Ventura, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks. Today, Ventura County is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, vibrant agricultural industry, and a diverse blend of urban and rural communities. The county continues to evolve and thrive while preserving its deep historical roots.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ventura County, California.

  • 1873 - Ventura County is established as a separate county from Santa Barbara County.
  • 1874 - San Buenaventura becomes the county seat.
  • 1887 - The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in Ventura County, leading to increased growth and development.
  • 1903 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1928 - The construction of the Matilija Dam begins, which eventually leads to the creation of Lake Casitas.
  • 1937 - Channel Islands National Park is established, including several islands off the coast of Ventura County.
  • 1957 - The Conejo Valley Unified School District is formed, serving the cities of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.
  • 1967 - The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is dedicated in Simi Valley.
  • 1971 - The community of Ojai becomes a National Historic Preservation District.
  • 1994 - The Northridge earthquake causes significant damage in Ventura County.
  • 2005 - The first commercial oil drilling in decades takes place in Ventura County.