Historical Marker

United States Post Office — Courthouse

Historical marker location:
345 West Broad Avenue, Albany, Georgia
( Marker can be reached from West Broad Avenue just east of North Jefferson Street (Georgia Route 91), on the right when traveling west.)

Built 1912

  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.

In the early 20th century, Georgia was known for its "convict leasing" system, which allowed companies to lease prisoners from the state for labor. The system was abolished in 1908 after investigations revealed widespread abuse and mistreatment of prisoners.
Georgia random facts
Dougherty County, located in southwest Georgia, has a rich history that can be traced back to the prehistoric era. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and began establishing farms, plantations, and a trading post along the Flint River.

In 1853, Dougherty County was officially established and named after Charles Dougherty, a respected judge from the region. The county's economy was heavily reliant on cotton production, and it became one of the leading producers in the state. This led to a boom in population and wealth, with many large plantations and mansions being built during this time.

However, the county's history also bears the scars of slavery and racial segregation. The Civil War brought devastating consequences, with many of the county's young men enlisting in Confederate armies, and the area suffering from economic decline and social unrest in the post-war period. The struggles for civil rights and racial equality continued well into the 20th century.

In recent years, Dougherty County has faced natural disasters, most notably in 1994 when it was hit by one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history. The community rallied together to rebuild and recover, demonstrating the resilience and spirit of its residents. Today, Dougherty County is a vibrant community with a diverse population, and it continues to develop and evolve while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dougherty County, Georgia.

  • 1836 - Dougherty County is established on December 15th
  • 1847 - The city of Albany is chartered
  • 1853 - A railroad line is completed, connecting Albany to Macon
  • 1861-1865 - Dougherty County experiences the effects of the American Civil War
  • 1907 - The Georgia Normal and Agricultural College (now Albany State University) is founded
  • 1925 - The Albany Municipal Auditorium is built
  • 1940s-1950s - Albany becomes a hub for civil rights activism
  • 1994 - Severe flooding occurs in Dougherty County, leading to a state of emergency
  • 2007 - Construction begins on the Flint RiverQuarium, a freshwater aquarium and science center