Historical Marker

Echebucsassa Post Office

Historical marker location:
Plant City, Florida
( Marker is at the intersection of East Baker Street (U.S. 92) and North Gordon Street, in the median on East Baker Street.)
Marker installed: 1929

  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.
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
Hillsborough County, located in Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Tocobaga and the Calusa. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto was the first European to visit the area in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 18th century that European settlements began to emerge.

In 1824, Hillsborough County was officially created by the Florida Territorial Legislature. The county was named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, who served as the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly cotton and citrus.

During the Civil War, Hillsborough County played a significant role as a Confederate stronghold. Tampa, the county seat, became a crucial port for the Confederacy, and the area was heavily fortified. After the war, the county faced challenges in rebuilding its economy, but with the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century, Hillsborough County began to experience rapid growth and development.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to flourish. The city of Tampa became a major hub for trade and tourism, attracting visitors from all over the country. The area also became an important military center, with MacDill Air Force Base being established and playing a key role in both World Wars. Today, Hillsborough County is known for its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

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

  • 1834 - Hillsborough County is established as one of the original 19 counties in Florida.
  • 1842 - Fort Brooke, a military outpost, is established where the city of Tampa now stands.
  • 1846 - Tampa is incorporated as a town.
  • 1855 - The Tampa Bay area experiences its first major industry boom with the establishment of a cigar factory.
  • 1861-1865 - Hillsborough County suffers during the American Civil War, with Tampa Bay serving as a port for blockade runners.
  • 1883 - The first railroad reaches Tampa, opening up the area for increased trade and development.
  • 1887 - Ybor City is founded as a company town for Vicente Martinez Ybor's cigar manufacturing business.
  • 1891 - Henry B. Plant's luxury hotel, the Tampa Bay Hotel (now the University of Tampa), opens and attracts wealthy visitors to the area.
  • 1914 - Tampa's port is improved and expanded, becoming a major hub for shipping and trade.
  • 1954 - Construction of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is completed, connecting Hillsborough County to Pinellas County.
  • 1971 - The University of South Florida is founded in Tampa.
  • 1986 - The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) is established, providing public transportation services throughout the county.
  • 2001 - Construction of Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is completed.