Historical Marker

First Post Office Site

Historical marker location:
Melbourne, Florida
( Marker is on Front Street, 0.1 miles south of New Haven Ave, on the right when traveling north.)

  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 Florida.
Florida was one of the first states to embrace the automobile, with the first auto race in the state taking place in 1904. Today, Florida is still known for its car culture, with numerous car shows and events taking place throughout the year.
Florida random facts
Brevard County, located on the eastern coast of Florida, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Ais and Timucuan tribes, who relied on fishing and hunting for sustenance. European colonization began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers first arrived in the area.

During the 19th century, Brevard County experienced rapid growth and development. In 1844, the county was officially established and named after Theodore Washington Brevard, a local judge and politician. The arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway in the late 1800s spurred further growth, making Brevard County an important transportation hub for trade and tourism.

In the 20th century, Brevard County's history became closely intertwined with the space industry. In 1962, the John F. Kennedy Space Center was established on Merritt Island, becoming a central hub for NASA's space exploration efforts. The county witnessed historical moments such as the first manned moon landing in 1969 and the launch of numerous space shuttles.

Today, Brevard County continues to thrive, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a diverse economy that includes aerospace, tourism, and agriculture. The area is home to beaches, wildlife preserves, and recreational opportunities. Brevard County's history and modern-day advancements make it a dynamic and unique part of Florida's cultural landscape.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brevard County, Florida.

  • 1844 - Brevard County is established and named after Theodore Washington Brevard, a Florida state comptroller.
  • 1875 - Titusville is incorporated as the county seat and becomes a major hub for the Indian River citrus industry.
  • 1894 - The first railroad reaches Brevard County, connecting Titusville to the rest of Florida.
  • 1950s - NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is established in Brevard County, triggering rapid population growth and an increase in tourism.
  • 1981 - The first space shuttle, Columbia, launches from Kennedy Space Center.
  • 1999 - Brevard County is hit by Hurricane Floyd, causing significant damage and disruption.
  • 2004 - Brevard County experiences the destructive effects of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne within weeks of each other.
  • 2011 - The last space shuttle mission, STS-135, takes off from Kennedy Space Center, marking the end of the Space Shuttle Program.