Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office–Customs House-Courthouse

Historical marker location:
401 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida
( Marker is on Centre Street near North 4th Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2017

  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.

architecture houses residential buildings
The Florida State Capitol building in Tallahassee is the only state capitol in the United States that is taller than the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
Florida random facts
Nassau County, located in northeastern Florida, has a rich history spanning centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Timucua Native Americans, whose presence can be traced back thousands of years. In the late 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in what is now Nassau County, establishing missions and trading posts. However, European settlement did not start until the 18th century.

The first European settlers in Nassau County were British colonists, who established plantations along the St. Marys River. The county was officially formed in 1824 and named after the duchess of Nassau in Germany. During the early 19th century, Nassau County thrived economically due to its fertile lands and abundant natural resources. The area became known for its timber industry and was a major hub for lumber mills and sawmills.

In the late 19th century, Nassau County experienced a boom in tourism and transportation. The opening of railroads and steamship lines connected the county to other parts of Florida and beyond, attracting visitors and fostering economic growth. Amelia Island, within Nassau County, became a popular destination for wealthy vacationers from northern states.

Throughout the 20th century, Nassau County continued to evolve and develop. It played a role in World War II as home to several military bases, contributing to the local economy and population growth. The county also saw advancements in agriculture, with citrus and shrimping becoming important industries.

Today, Nassau County remains a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, historic sites, and natural beauty. The county's economy is diverse, with sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare contributing to its growth. Despite its modernization, Nassau County still cherishes and preserves its historical landmarks and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating place to explore and learn about Florida's past.

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

  • 1539 - Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto visits what is now Nassau County
  • 1562 - French Huguenots establish Fort Caroline along the St. Johns River
  • 1565 - Spanish forces under Pedro Menéndez de Avilés destroy Fort Caroline
  • 1702 - English forces capture Spanish-held St. Augustine and gain control over Nassau County
  • 1763 - Treaty of Paris cedes Florida to the British, including Nassau County
  • 1783 - Treaty of Paris returns Florida to Spanish control
  • 1811 - Georgia seizes control of Amelia Island, including Nassau County
  • 1817 - United States restores control over Amelia Island and Nassau County
  • 1824 - Duval County is created, encompassing present-day Nassau County
  • 1827 - Nassau County is established as a separate county
  • 1851 - The city of Fernandina Beach is incorporated
  • 1861-1865 - Nassau County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War
  • 1920s - Prohibition era leads to growth of illegal alcohol smuggling in Nassau County
  • 1941-1945 - Nassau County contributes to the war effort during World War II with military installations and shipyards
  • 1954 - The construction of the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base begins in southern Nassau County
  • Present - Nassau County is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and natural attractions