Historical Marker

Ochopee Post Office

Historical marker location:
38000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, Florida
( Marker is on Tamiami Trail East (U.S. 41) 0.2 miles west of Bass Lake Road, on the left when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 1994

  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.

The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, were once a notorious pirate haven. Many famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, are said to have frequented the area.
Florida random facts
Collier County, located in southwestern Florida, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Calusa and the Seminole. The Calusa were known for their complex canal systems, shell mounds, and sophisticated social structure. Spanish explorers, such as Juan Ponce de León, first encountered the Calusa in the early 16th century.

European settlement in the area began in the late 19th century. The construction of the Tamiami Trail, a roadway connecting Tampa and Miami, played a crucial role in the development of the county. The trail was completed in 1928, opening up the area for agriculture, trade, and tourism. It also led to the founding of the county in 1923, which was named after advertising magnate Barron Collier.

Collier County experienced rapid growth and development in the mid-20th century. The construction of the Everglades Jetport in the 1960s was a major project that aimed to transform the area into a thriving metropolitan hub. However, environmental concerns and legal battles ultimately prevented the jetport from opening. Instead, the land was incorporated into the Big Cypress National Preserve and maintained its natural integrity.

Today, Collier County is known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving tourism industry. The county is home to the famous Everglades National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. The region's subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor recreational activities make it a popular destination for both residents and tourists alike. With a strong emphasis on preserving its natural resources and unique ecosystems, Collier County continues to evolve while maintaining its connection to its rich history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Collier County, Florida.

  • Created in 1923
  • Named after Barron Collier, a New York City advertising mogul
  • Development of Collier County began in the late 1920s as the Tamiami Trail was completed
  • Immokalee, the largest inland community in the county, was established in the 1930s
  • During World War II, the county served as a training ground for the United States Army
  • Following the war, the construction of the Naples Municipal Airport started in the late 1940s
  • In the 1950s, Collier County experienced population growth with the development of Naples and other coastal communities
  • Collier County was officially incorporated as a county in 1961
  • Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Collier County continued to grow as a popular tourist destination
  • In 1997, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage and flooding in the area