Historical Marker

Old Station Post Office

Historical marker location:
Old Station, California
( Marker is on Highway 89, on the right when traveling south.)
Marker installed: 2005

  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 California.
The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in San Bernardino, California in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. The fast-food chain went on to become one of the most successful in the world.
California random facts
Shasta County, located in Northern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, including the Wintu, Yana, and Pit River peoples. These tribes lived in harmony with the abundant natural resources that the area offered, such as the rivers, forests, and fertile land.

In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the area in search of fortune. Shasta County quickly became a major center for gold mining, with towns like Shasta City and Redding springing up to accommodate the influx of people. The region's rivers, such as the Sacramento River, played a vital role in transporting supplies and people during this time.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shasta County also saw significant industrial development. The mining industry continued to thrive, with copper and zinc being majorly extracted. Additionally, the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for growth and commerce.

In the modern era, Shasta County has made a name for itself as a beautiful natural destination. The magnificent Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano and one of the tallest peaks in California, attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Its surrounding forests, lakes, and rivers provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Today, Shasta County is a vibrant community that cherishes its history while embracing the wonders of its natural surroundings.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Shasta County, California.

  • 1772 - Spanish explorers begin to explore the area, led by Captain Pedro Fages.
  • 1828 - Jedediah Smith, an American trapper, becomes the first known non-Native American to explore the area.
  • 1849 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a significant population increase as people rush to find their fortune.
  • 1850 - Shasta County is officially established as one of California's original counties.
  • 1864 - The town of Redding is founded and becomes the county seat of Shasta County.
  • 1873 - The Central Pacific Railroad arrives in Shasta County, providing a significant economic boost to the area.
  • 1920s - The construction of Shasta Dam begins, creating a large reservoir and providing hydroelectric power to the region.
  • 1938 - Shasta Dam is completed, becoming one of the largest concrete dams in the world at the time.
  • 1960s - Interstate 5 is constructed, connecting Shasta County to major cities in California and Oregon.
  • 1992 - The Fountain Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California history, burns over 60,000 acres of land in Shasta County.
  • 2018 - The Carr Fire devastates parts of Shasta County, destroying over 1,000 homes and claiming several lives.
  • 2020 - The coronavirus pandemic affects Shasta County, leading to various health and economic challenges for the community.