Historical Marker

Santa Rosa Post Office and Federal Building

Historical marker location:
429 7th Street, Santa Rosa, California
( Marker is on 7th Street near B Street, on the right when traveling west.)

  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
Sonoma County, located in Northern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo peoples. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering food from the abundant natural resources in the region.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 19th century. Russian fur traders established Fort Ross in 1812, which served as a trading post and agricultural outpost. However, in 1841, the Russians sold the fort to the John Sutter Company, marking the end of Russian influence in Sonoma County.

The Mexican era began in 1821 when Mexico gained independence from Spain. Sonoma County was part of the Mexican province of Alta California, and the Mexican government granted land to various individuals, known as ranchos. The most notable of these was Rancho Petaluma, granted to Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a prominent Californio. Vallejo played a significant role in the development of the region, establishing a military base and promoting agriculture.

In 1846, the Bear Flag Revolt took place in Sonoma County. A group of American settlers, unhappy with the Mexican government's rule, raised the bear flag and declared California as an independent republic. This revolt was short-lived, as California was soon annexed by the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War in 1848.

From the mid-19th century, Sonoma County experienced rapid growth and development. Agriculture, particularly wine grape cultivation, became a vital industry in the region, thanks to its favorable climate and soil conditions. Today, Sonoma County is known for its picturesque vineyards, charming towns, and thriving wine tourism industry.

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

  • Sonoma County is home to Native American tribes, including the Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo, who have been living in the region for thousands of years.
  • 1542 - Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sails along the California coast, but does not directly explore the area that would become Sonoma County.
  • 1775 - Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza leads a group of settlers on an overland expedition, establishing a route that would become known as the Anza Trail, which later passes through Sonoma County.
  • 1823 - The Russian-American Company establishes Fort Ross as a trading post and agricultural center along the Sonoma Coast.
  • 1834 - Pueblo of Sonoma is founded by Mexican General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, becoming the northernmost Mexican civilian settlement in Alta California. The area around the pueblo becomes known as Sonoma County.
  • 1846 - The Bear Flag Revolt takes place in Sonoma, as a group of American settlers rebel against Mexican rule, raising a homemade flag with a bear and star as a symbol of their independence. This event marks the beginning of the California Republic, which later joins the United States.
  • 1850 - Sonoma County is officially established as one of California's original 27 counties, after California becomes a state. It initially includes a much larger area than it does today.
  • 1871 - The first railroad line is completed in Sonoma County, connecting Petaluma to Santa Rosa. This improves transportation and spurs growth and commerce in the area.
  • 1906 - Sonoma County is heavily affected by the San Francisco earthquake, with significant damage occurring throughout the region.
  • 1920s - Sonoma County experiences a boom in agriculture, with vineyards and wineries becoming prominent. The region's favorable climate and soil conditions make it an ideal location for wine production, leading to the growth of the wine industry.
  • 1960s - Sonoma County becomes a popular destination for hippies and counter-culture movements due to its scenic beauty and alternative lifestyles. This era marks the beginning of Sonoma County as a hub for organic farming and sustainable living.
  • Today, Sonoma County is known for its thriving wine industry, picturesque landscapes, and tourism. It continues to be a significant agricultural region, producing various crops, including grapes, apples, prunes, and dairy products.