Historical Marker

Woodland's First Post Office

Historical marker location:
539 Main Street, Woodland, California
( Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (California Route 16) and 1st Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2015

  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
Yolo County, located in the Sacramento Valley of California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Patwin people, who lived off the land and thrived in harmony with nature. In the 19th century, however, the arrival of European settlers brought significant changes to the area.

In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers began to traverse the Sacramento Valley, including present-day Yolo County. During this time, the region became a part of Mexico and was eventually ceded to the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War. Following the California Gold Rush in 1849, many people flocked to the area in search of fortune, leading to the establishment of small settlements and ranches throughout Yolo County.

The county was officially formed in 1850, named after the Yolan Native American tribe. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of Yolo County's economy, with settlers cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and fruit orchards. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted agricultural production in the area, allowing for greater transportation and export opportunities.

Over the years, Yolo County has continued to thrive agriculturally, producing a variety of crops including tomatoes, almonds, and wine grapes. Additionally, the county has embraced its natural beauty by preserving open spaces and establishing parks, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Today, Yolo County remains a vibrant, diverse community that celebrates its heritage while embracing progress and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Yolo County, California.

  • 1835 - Yolo County is established as part of Mexican land grants.
  • 1843 - Captain John Shaw explores the area and surveys the Sacramento Valley.
  • 1849 - Gold rush leads to an influx of settlers in the region.
  • 1850 - Yolo County is officially formed from parts of Colusa and Solano Counties.
  • 1857 - The county seat is moved to Woodland.
  • 1869 - The UC Davis campus is established in Davis.
  • 1881 - The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches the county, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1916 - The Yolo Bypass is completed, providing flood control and irrigation for the region.
  • 1966 - Cache Creek Casino Resort opens, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • 1992 - The Yolo County Historical Museum is established in Woodland.