Historical Marker

The Post Office At Sleeth

Historical marker location:
12252 West North Washington Street, Delphi, Indiana
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of West North Washington Street and North Charles Street, on the right when traveling east.)

Wabash and Erie Canal Park Trail. Wabash & Erie Canal Park Village

  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 USS Indiana, a battleship that served in both World War I and World War II, was named in honor of the state. It was commissioned in 1895 and was the lead ship of its class.
Indiana random facts
Carroll County, Indiana has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1828. The county was named after Charles Carroll of Maryland, who was the last living signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence at that time. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi, before European settlers arrived.

The first European settlers in Carroll County came in the early 1820s, drawn by the fertile land and the opportunity for new beginnings. The county's early economy was largely agrarian, with farming being the primary occupation. The Wabash and Erie Canal, completed in 1856, brought further economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

Carroll County played a role in the American Civil War, with many of its residents enlisting in the Union Army. The county's close proximity to the Confederate-aligned state of Kentucky made it an important strategic location. Additionally, during this time, the county experienced a period of growth and development, with the establishment of new businesses and schools.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Carroll County continued to evolve and adapt. The growth of railroad networks and the discovery of natural gas and oil deposits brought new industries and prosperity. The county also saw advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Today, Carroll County has a strong sense of community and is known for its agricultural heritage, historic sites, and annual festivals that celebrate its vibrant past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carroll County, Indiana.

  • 1819 - Carroll County was established on November 1, named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
  • 1828 - The county seat was established and named Delphi.
  • 1830 - The Wabash and Erie Canal opened, stimulating economic growth in Carroll County.
  • 1844 - The first courthouse was built in Delphi.
  • 1861-1865 - Carroll County residents served in the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - The present-day courthouse was completed.
  • 1887 - The Lake Maxinkuckee and Manchester Railroad was built, connecting Carroll County to neighboring communities.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression led to economic hardships in Carroll County.
  • 1971 - The Carroll County Historical Society was established to preserve the history of the area.
  • 1998 - The county celebrated its 175th anniversary.
  • 2011 - Carroll County was heavily affected by an EF3 tornado that caused significant damage in the area.