Historical Marker

Walt Disney Post Office

Historical marker location:
120 East Ritchie Avenue, Marceline, Missouri
( Marker is on Ritchie Avenue east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.)

  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 infamous outlaw Jesse James was born in Clay County, Missouri, in 1847. He later became known for his bank and train robberies and was killed by a member of his own gang in 1882.
Missouri random facts
Linn County, Missouri has a rich and diverse history that spans over several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage, who lived off the land and thrived in the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, primarily from Kentucky and Tennessee, seeking new opportunities and fertile land for farming.

In 1821, Linn County was officially established, named after Lewis F. Linn, a U.S. Senator from Missouri. The county quickly developed into an agricultural hub, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, hemp, and tobacco. Linn County's location along the Missouri River made it an important transportation hub for goods and settlers moving westward during the westward expansion era.

During the American Civil War, Linn County saw its fair share of conflict. While the majority of its residents were sympathetic to the Union cause, there were some who supported the Confederacy. The Battle of Centralia in 1864, which took place in Linn County, was a particularly significant and brutal confrontation between Confederate guerrillas, led by Bloody Bill Anderson, and Union troops.

In the years following the war, Linn County continued to thrive agriculturally, with farmers diversifying their crops and embracing new farming techniques. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further enhanced the county's growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. Today, Linn County is a vibrant community that retains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and technologies.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Linn County, Missouri.

  • 1821: Linn County established as a county in Missouri.
  • 1829: First county seat established in Laclede.
  • 1836: County seat moved to Linneus.
  • 1855: Pershing Township established.
  • 1857: Brookfield township formed.
  • 1879: Laclede township formed.
  • 1884: Brookfield becomes a city.
  • 1896: New courthouse built in Linneus.
  • 1973: Pershing State Park established.
  • 1993: Damaging flooding occurs along the Locust Creek.
  • 2000: Census records a population of 12,571 for Linn County.