Historical Marker

Mountain Creek Post Office

Historical marker location:
437 Co Rd 63, Marbury, Alabama
( Marker is on County Road 63, 0.6 miles north of State Route 143, on the left when traveling north.)

c. 1906 – 1975

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.
The city of Huntsville, Alabama played a key role in the United States space program during the Cold War. The Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, was the site of the development of the first ballistic missile, and later became the center of the U.S. Army's missile and rocket programs.
Alabama random facts
Chilton County, Alabama, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. First inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek and Cherokee, the area saw European explorers arrive in the 16th century. It was part of the vast Creek Indian Territory until the Creek War of 1813-1814, when the Creek Nation ceded the land to the United States.

In the early 19th century, settlers moved to the area and brought agriculture to Chilton County. The fertile land made it perfect for farming, primarily cotton and corn. As more families moved to the region, small communities began to emerge, including the county seat of Clanton, which was incorporated in 1870.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to Chilton County. The transportation connection made it easier for products to be shipped and for people to travel, leading to increased economic activity. With the introduction of the peach industry in the early 20th century, Chilton County gained its reputation as the "Peach Capital of Alabama."

Chilton County faced challenges during the Great Depression, as did the rest of the country. However, the resilience of its people and the diversification of agriculture helped the community weather the storm. The county continued to thrive, with the peach industry becoming one of its major economic drivers, attracting tourists from all over to enjoy the annual peach festivals that celebrate this delicious fruit.

Today, Chilton County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural heritage. Though peach farming has faced some difficulties in recent years, the county still produces a significant portion of Alabama's fruit, while also embracing other industries such as poultry, cattle, and timber. The history of Chilton County is deeply intertwined with its agricultural roots, and it continues to maintain its status as a fruitful and essential part of Alabama's economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chilton County, Alabama.

  • Chilton County was established on December 30, 1868.
  • In 1914, the Alabama Power Company built the Mitchell Dam on the Coosa River.
  • Chilton County's peach industry began to thrive in the 1920s.
  • In 1942, the Cahaba Coal Fields No. 4 and 8 shipped over 660,000 tons of coal.
  • Construction of Interstate 65 through Chilton County was completed in 1973.
  • In 2000, the population of Chilton County reached over 39,000 people.
  • In 2011, Chilton County celebrated its 150th anniversary.