Historical Marker

Pound General Store and Post Office

Historical marker location:
2946 E. Armstrong Road, Oswego, Indiana
( Marker is at the intersection of E. Armstrong Road (County Road E500N) and N. 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on E. Armstrong Road.)

  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
Kosciusko County, located in northern Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Miami and Potawatomi. European settlement began in the early 1800s, with the arrival of fur traders and missionaries. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish general who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

In the mid-19th century, Kosciusko County experienced rapid growth due to the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This led to the establishment of several towns, including Warsaw, the county seat. The presence of the railroad not only brought economic opportunities but also facilitated the transportation of goods and people, further expanding the county's prosperity.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's development, with farming becoming the backbone of the local economy. Farmers cultivated various crops, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. Local industries also emerged, such as furniture manufacturing and orthopedic device production, utilizing the county's abundant timber resources.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kosciusko County became known for its orthopedic industry. Numerous orthopedic manufacturers and hospitals were established, earning the county the nickname "Orthopedic Capital of the World." Today, the orthopedic industry still thrives in Kosciusko County, contributing to its economic stability and providing employment opportunities for residents. Additionally, the county's natural beauty and recreational amenities, including lakes and trails, have made it a popular tourist destination.

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

  • 1809: Kosciusko County is established by the legislative act of the Indiana Territory.
  • 1836: The county's first courthouse is built in Leesburg.
  • 1837: Warsaw is chosen as the county seat, leading to the decline of Leesburg as a major town.
  • 1854: The first railroad, the Northern Indiana Railroad, is completed in Kosciusko County, boosting transportation and economic development.
  • 1873: The county's current courthouse in Warsaw is completed.
  • 1880s: The county experiences rapid growth, with the population nearly doubling due to increased industrialization and agriculture.
  • 1913: The Dixie Highway, a major north-south route, is built through the county, further improving transportation infrastructure.
  • 1967: Lake Wawasee becomes Indiana's largest natural lake after the completion of a dam project.
  • 1990s: Kosciusko County becomes a hub for the orthopedic industry, earning the nickname "Orthopedic Capital of the World."