Old Seaford Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
In 1954, the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education was filed in the District of Delaware. The case, which challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools, was one of the most important civil rights cases in American history.
In 1631, the first European settlement was established by Dutch traders near present-day Lewes. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and British takeover led to the abandonment of the settlement. In the late 17th century, English settlers and Quakers started resettling the area, and Sussex County was officially established in 1683.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Sussex County played a vital role in agriculture, especially as a major producer of wheat and corn. The county's economy thrived with the growth of small towns, such as Georgetown and Seaford. During the American Revolution, Sussex County saw its share of battles, including the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777.
In the 20th century, Sussex County experienced significant changes due to the growth of industry and tourism. The construction of major highways, such as Route 1 and the creation of beach resorts like Rehoboth Beach, transformed the county into a popular destination for vacationers. Agriculture remained an essential part of Sussex County's economy, with a shift towards poultry farming.
Today, Sussex County continues to evolve and grow, balancing its agricultural roots with the demands of a modern economy. The preservation of historical sites and the appreciation for its diverse heritage serve as a reminder of the county's vibrant past and a source of pride for its residents.
Sussex County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sussex County, Delaware.
- 1642 - The area that is now Sussex County was first settled by the Dutch and Swedish colonists.
- 1670 - English settlers arrived and established their presence in the region.
- 1682 - Sussex County became part of the newly formed Pennsylvania colony.
- 1704 - Sussex County officially became part of the newly established Delaware colony.
- 1755 - The county seat was moved from Lewes to Georgetown.
- 1775 - The American Revolution began, and Sussex County played a significant role in the fight for independence.
- 1805 - Construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal began, enhancing trade and transportation in the region.
- 1822 - The Nanticoke Indian Reservation, located in Sussex County, was officially established.
- 1855 - The Delaware Railroad reached Sussex County, further improving transportation and trade.
- 1871 - The Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach was built, marking the beginning of the area's popularity as a beach resort.
- 1929 - The Great Depression impacted Sussex County, causing economic hardship for many residents.
- 1950s - The poultry industry became a dominant economic sector in Sussex County.
- 1991 - The Indian River Inlet Bridge opened, providing improved access to the coastal areas of Sussex County.