Historical Marker

Snohomish Post Office

Historical marker location:
116 Union Avenue, Snohomish, Washington
( Marker is on Union Avenue north of Glen Avenue, on the left when traveling north.)

  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 Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia was designed by architects from the New York firm of York and Sawyer, who also designed the Michigan State Capitol and the New York State Education Building.
Washington random facts
Snohomish County, located in the northwestern part of Washington state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Snohomish, Duwamish, and Stillaguamish peoples, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European exploration of the area began in the late 18th century, with Spanish, British, and American explorers all vying for control.

In the mid-19th century, the settlement of Snohomish County began in earnest with the arrival of American settlers. The discovery of gold in the Fraser River of nearby Canada drew thousands of prospectors to the area in the 1850s, leading to the founding of several towns. The logging industry also played a significant role in the county's early development and economy, as vast forests provided timber for construction and export.

The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the late 19th century spurred even further growth in Snohomish County. The establishment of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods, attracting new industries and businesses to the region. Cities like Everett, Marysville, and Edmonds flourished as manufacturing centers, with industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, and paper production becoming major contributors to the county's economy.

Over the years, Snohomish County has seen significant population growth and urban development. Today, it is home to a diverse and thriving community, encompassing suburban areas, rural landscapes, and bustling urban centers. The county continues to embrace its natural beauty, with attractions like the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the Puget Sound, and numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

  • 1855 - Treaty of Point Elliott is signed between the United States government and local Native American tribes, creating a reservation for the Tulalip Tribes.
  • 1861 - What is now Snohomish County becomes part of Washington Territory.
  • 1861 - Snohomish County is officially established, named after the Snohomish Tribe.
  • 1871 - The first sawmill is built in what is now Everett, leading to the region's significant timber industry.
  • 1890 - The city of Everett is incorporated.
  • 1907 - The first commercial logging railroad begins operation in Snohomish County.
  • 1921 - The Boeing Company is founded in Seattle, later becoming a major employer in the region.
  • 1937 - The Snohomish County Airport (now Paine Field) opens in Everett, becoming a hub for aviation and aerospace industries.
  • 1967 - The Snohomish County Government Campus is established in Everett as the county seat.
  • 1980 - The Seattle SuperSonics basketball team moves its home games to the Everett Civic Auditorium for a season while their arena in Seattle is being renovated.
  • 1996 - The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour opens at Paine Field, offering a behind-the-scenes look at aerospace manufacturing.