Historical Marker

Shores-Lee Law Offices/Post Office Garage

Historical marker location:
413 16th St N, Birmingham, Alabama
( Marker is at the intersection of 5th Avenue North and 16th Street North, on the right when traveling east on 5th Avenue North.)

Destination. Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail

  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 Anniston, Alabama was the site of one of the most violent incidents of the Civil Rights Era. In 1961, a bus carrying Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists, was attacked and set on fire by a mob in Anniston.
Alabama random facts
Jefferson County, Alabama, holds a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1819. Named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, the county was initially settled by Native Americans, including the Cherokee tribe, who inhabited the region prior to European colonization. The early European explorers began arriving in the 16th century, with French explorers being the first to claim the land in the early 18th century.

Jefferson County experienced significant growth and development during the early 19th century, primarily due to the discovery of vast mineral resources in the area. The discovery of iron ore and coal deposits transformed the county into a thriving industrial center. Birmingham, the county seat and the largest city, quickly emerged as a major hub for iron and steel production, earning it the nickname "The Pittsburgh of the South."

The county's industrial boom led to a massive influx of immigrants and laborers from across the United States and around the world, seeking employment opportunities. This influx of diverse cultures and backgrounds fueled the county's cultural growth and diversity. However, rapid industrialization also grappled with labor strikes, civil unrest, and social inequalities, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Jefferson County played a significant role in the struggle for equal rights, with prominent figures like Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth leading civil rights efforts in Birmingham.

In recent years, Jefferson County has faced challenges related to economic recession and financial crisis. The county underwent the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history in 2011 due to excessive borrowing and mismanagement. However, it has since experienced a slow but steady recovery.

Overall, Jefferson County has evolved from its early Native American roots to become a center of industry, culture, and social change. Its history is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people who have shaped the county and contributed to its ongoing development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jefferson County, Alabama.

  • 1819: Jefferson County is established as one of the original counties in the state of Alabama.
  • 1871: The Birmingham District is discovered, leading to a boom in iron and steel industries.
  • 1873: The city of Birmingham is founded as a result of the industrial growth in the area.
  • 1902: Construction of the Thomas Jefferson Hotel, a landmark in downtown Birmingham, begins.
  • 1909: The Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team, is established.
  • 1921: The Vulcan statue, now an iconic symbol of Birmingham, is dedicated.
  • 1937: Birmingham Airport, later renamed Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, opens to the public.
  • 1963: The Birmingham campaign for civil rights takes place, including the infamous bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.
  • 1971: The Jefferson County Courthouse, an architectural landmark, is completed.
  • 2011: Jefferson County files for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.