Historical Marker

Confederate States of America (CSA) Post Office Department

Historical marker location:
111 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
( Marker is at the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Perry Street, on the right when traveling west on Washington Avenue.)
Marker installed: 2012

  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 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
Montgomery County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area's earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes, such as the Creek and Alibamu, who occupied the region for thousands of years. European exploration and settlement began in the 16th century, with French and Spanish explorers mapping the area. However, it was not until the early 19th century that Montgomery County began to take shape.

The county was officially established in 1816 and named after General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero. The city of Montgomery, located in the heart of the county, quickly became its center of economic and political activity. The county's fertile soils made it ideal for agriculture, and cotton soon became the dominant crop. The heavy reliance on enslaved labor led to Montgomery County becoming a major hub of the domestic slave trade.

Montgomery County played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The city of Montgomery was the site of several historically significant events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat. This event marked a turning point in the fight against racial segregation and inspired similar movements across the country.

Today, Montgomery County continues to thrive as the capital of Alabama and a center for government, industry, and culture. The county is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as Old Alabama Town and the Civil Rights Memorial, which commemorate the area's rich history. With a diverse population and a growing economy, Montgomery County looks to the future while acknowledging its past and the important role it played in shaping the nation.

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

  • 1816: Montgomery County is established and named after Lemuel P. Montgomery, an early settler in the area.
  • 1846: Montgomery becomes the state capital of Alabama.
  • 1861-1865: Montgomery plays a significant role in the Civil War as the first capital of the Confederate States of America.
  • 1870: The completion of the Montgomery and West Point Railroad connects Montgomery to the major port city of Mobile, boosting economic growth.
  • 1955: The Montgomery Bus Boycott takes place after Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat, becoming a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1965: Montgomery serves as a starting point for the historic Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights.
  • 2001: Hyundai opens a manufacturing plant in Montgomery County, bringing economic investment and job opportunities to the area.