Historical Marker

Site of U.S. Post Office Reynoldsville, Georgia / Reuben Arthur Reynolds

Historical marker location:
Iron City, Georgia
( Marker is at the intersection of Braswell Godby Road (County Route 12) and Church Street, on the right when traveling north on Braswell Godby Road.)
Marker installed: 1991

  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 state of Georgia has produced many notable musicians, including Ray Charles, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band.
Georgia random facts
Seminole County, Georgia, was established on December 26, 1920, after being carved out from portions of Decatur and Early counties. The county was named after the Seminole tribe of Native Americans, who previously inhabited the region. The county seat, Donalsonville, was named in honor of Jonathan E. Donalson, a prominent local planter and politician.

The area that is now Seminole County had a rich agricultural history, with cotton being the dominant crop in the early years. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, and many settlers migrated to the area to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities. As the cotton industry declined in the late 19th century, farmers began to diversify their crops, including peanuts, corn, and tobacco.

In the early 20th century, Seminole County experienced a boom in population and economic growth due to the construction of several railroads. The development of transportation infrastructure facilitated the transportation of goods and raw materials, spurring industrialization and commerce in the county. The county's economy continued to rely on agriculture, particularly peanuts, which became a significant cash crop.

Over the years, Seminole County has faced its share of challenges, including natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes. In recent times, the county has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor recreational activities, capitalizing on its natural beauty and proximity to Lake Seminole. Today, Seminole County remains a small rural community with a rich agricultural heritage and a commitment to preserving its natural resources while embracing economic opportunities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Seminole County, Georgia.

  • Seminole County was established on December 26, 1920.
  • In the early 1800s, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seminole people.
  • During the 19th century, the area experienced conflicts between Native Americans and settlers.
  • In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek was signed, which designated a reservation for the Seminole tribe.
  • During the 1830s, the Seminole Wars took place as the U.S. government sought to relocate the Seminole people to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
  • In the late 1800s, European-American settlers began to move into the area and establish farms.
  • On December 26, 1920, Seminole County was officially established from portions of Decatur County and Early County.
  • The county was named after the Seminole Native American tribe.
  • In the early 20th century, Seminole County's economy relied on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton.
  • Over the years, the county has experienced socio-economic changes but remains a rural area with a strong agricultural heritage.