Historical Marker

Norfolk & Western Railway Post Office Car Class M-1 #93

Historical marker location:
303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Norfolk Avenue Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west.)

  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 first slave ship to arrive in the American colonies landed in Virginia in 1619. Virginia became a center of the transatlantic slave trade, and by 1860, Virginia had the largest population of enslaved people in the United States.
Virginia random facts
Roanoke County, Virginia has a rich history that dates back to the time of Native American settlements. The region was initially inhabited by the Roanoke tribe, who called themselves the Wiyot. In the 16th century, European explorers, including the infamous Sir Walter Raleigh, began to set foot in the area. It was during one of Raleigh's expeditions that he established the first English colony on Roanoke Island, just off the coast of what is now North Carolina. However, this colony famously vanished, giving rise to the legend of the "Lost Colony."

In the 18th century, as European settlers expanded westward, the area that is now Roanoke County became an important crossroads for trade. The Great Wagon Road, stretching from Philadelphia to the southern colonies, passed through the county, bringing economic opportunities and a diverse population. The region's abundant natural resources, including timber and waterways, attracted industries such as milling and ironworks, further contributing to its growth.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Roanoke County. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s was a game-changer, transforming the county into a major transportation hub. With easy access to markets, industries such as textiles and tobacco flourished. The county's population continued to grow, and in 1838, the town of Salem was incorporated within its borders.

In the 20th century, Roanoke County experienced further development and urbanization. The city of Roanoke, which became independent from the county in 1884, saw the rise of industries like railroad construction and manufacturing. The area became known for its railroad yards and textile mills. Today, Roanoke County is home to a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as healthcare, technology, and education. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern amenities, attracting visitors and residents alike.

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

  • 1838: Roanoke County is established in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • 1872: The town of Salem is incorporated within Roanoke County.
  • 1881: The Shenandoah Valley Railroad is extended to Roanoke, sparking economic growth in the county.
  • 1884: Roanoke County's first public school, Cave Spring Academy, is established.
  • 1942: The United States Army Air Corps opens the Roanoke Army Air Base in the county.
  • 1950s: Roanoke County experiences suburbanization and population growth.
  • 1968: The town of Vinton is incorporated within Roanoke County.
  • 1984: Roanoke County Economic Development Authority is formed to promote business growth.
  • 2001: The town of Vinton becomes an independent city, separating from Roanoke County.
  • 2004: Roanoke County celebrates its 175th anniversary.