Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office Fredericktown, Missouri

Historical marker location:
155 South Main Street, Fredericktown, Missouri
( Marker is on South Main Street (Business U.S. 67) north of East College Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2009

  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 famous Dred Scott case, which helped fuel the tensions that led to the Civil War, originated in Missouri. Dred Scott was a slave who sued for his freedom in the Missouri courts in 1857, but the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled against him.
Missouri random facts
Madison County, Missouri, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Shawnee, who relied on the natural resources of the region for their livelihoods. European settlement began in the early 19th century, when French explorers traversed the area. Eventually, American settlers arrived and established permanent communities throughout the county, primarily concentrated along the mineral-rich St. Francis River.

The county was officially established in 1818 and was named after President James Madison. In the early years, Madison County was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and timber industries driving its economy. However, the discovery of lead in the region in the late 19th century led to a mining boom, attracting miners and speculators to the area. Lead mining became a crucial industry in Madison County, sustaining the local economy for many years.

Throughout the years, Madison County experienced both growth and decline. The onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, coupled with a decrease in demand for lead, led to a decline in the county's mining industry. However, the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities began to attract tourists, leading to the development of the tourism industry as a significant source of revenue.

Today, Madison County continues to be a picturesque destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historic sites. It is home to the Mark Twain National Forest and several state parks, offering ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The county's rich history and charming small towns also make it an attractive place to visit for history enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Madison County, Missouri.

  • 1818: Madison County is officially established.
  • Early 1800s: The area is inhabited by Shawnee and other Native American tribes.
  • 1819: A permanent settlement is established by European-American settlers.
  • 1823: Fredericktown, the county seat, is platted.
  • 1861-1865: Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s: Lead mining becomes an important industry in the area.
  • 1902: The St. Joe Lead Company begins operations in Mine La Motte.
  • 1924: The Ozark National Forest is established, including parts of Madison County.
  • 1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructs many recreational facilities in the area.
  • 1960s-1970s: Madison County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the lead mining industry.
  • Present: Madison County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites.