Historical Marker

The Ellaville Post Office

Historical marker location:
420 Lakeshore Drive, Madison, Florida
( Marker is at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Priest Street, on the right when traveling west on Lakeshore Drive.)
Marker installed: 1972

Frontier Columbus on the Suwannee River

  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.

Florida was one of the first states to embrace the automobile, with the first auto race in the state taking place in 1904. Today, Florida is still known for its car culture, with numerous car shows and events taking place throughout the year.
Florida random facts
Madison County, located in northern Florida, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apalachee and Timucua, who relied on the bountiful resources of the surrounding forests, rivers, and wetlands. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, making contact with the Native Americans and introducing new ideas, technologies, and diseases to the region.

In the 19th century, Madison County was settled by European Americans, mainly from Georgia and South Carolina, who were attracted to the fertile soils and the opportunity for agricultural development. The county's economy was heavily dependent on cotton production, and large plantations with enslaved laborers were established. The county also became an important transportation hub with the construction of railroads and the creation of the Suwannee River as a major shipping route.

Madison County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. The county saw several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Natural Bridge in 1865, which resulted in a Confederate victory and prevented Union forces from advancing further into Florida. After the war, Madison County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, as the enslaved population was freed and the cotton-based economy was disrupted.

In the 20th century, Madison County went through various changes and developments. Agriculture shifted from cotton to other crops such as tobacco, peanuts, and watermelons. The county also saw improvements in transportation infrastructure with the construction of highways, which enhanced connectivity and facilitated economic growth. Today, Madison County is known for its agricultural heritage, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality, attracting tourists and retirees seeking a slower pace of life in a charming rural setting.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Florida.

  • 1827: Madison County is established as a county in Florida
  • 1838: The county seat is established in the town of Madison
  • 1849: The Florida Railroad reaches Madison, leading to increased economic growth
  • 1864-1865: Madison County experiences devastation and destruction during the Civil War
  • 1867: The first courthouse in Madison County is built
  • 1901: The yellow fever epidemic hits Madison County, causing significant loss of life
  • 1923: Madison County suffers from a devastating fire that destroys many buildings
  • 1935: The Suwannee River State Park is established within Madison County
  • 1958: The Cherry Lake area of Madison County is flooded to create a reservoir
  • 1987: Madison County celebrates its 160th anniversary