Historical Marker

Passengers, Pay Phones and a Post Office

Historical marker location:
Stuart, Florida
( Marker is at the intersection of SW Flagler Avenue and SW St. Lucie Avenue, on the right when traveling east on SW Flagler Avenue.)
Marker installed: 2014

Historic Sailfish Trail

  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.

Florida has been the site of many space launches and is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launched the Apollo missions to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s.
Florida random facts
Martin County, Florida, located on the east coast of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ais, Jaega, and Seminole people, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the region in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that permanent settlers began to establish communities in the area.

In the late 1800s, Martin County experienced a significant boom due to the construction of the Florida East Coast Canal (now the Intracoastal Waterway) and the Flagler Railroad, which connected the region to other major cities in Florida. This transportation infrastructure facilitated trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of towns such as Stuart, the county seat, and Hobe Sound. The area became known for its fertile farmland, particularly for growing citrus fruits like pineapple and oranges.

During the 20th century, Martin County saw both development and environmental preservation efforts. In the 1920s, the county experienced growth with the arrival of the Stuart Paper Company, a major employer that produced cardboard and paper products. The region's natural beauty and abundant wildlife also attracted tourists, leading to the establishment of state parks and wildlife refuges, such as Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

In recent decades, Martin County has faced challenges related to urbanization and environmental conservation. The county has strived to balance economic development with the preservation of its natural resources, including the sensitive ecosystems of the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River. Today, Martin County continues to be a desirable place to live, work, and visit, with its picturesque coastal towns, pristine beaches, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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

  • 1571 - Spanish explorers arrive in the area
  • 18th century - Native American tribes inhabit the region
  • 19th century - European settlers establish a presence in the region
  • 1870 - The area is designated as part of St. Lucie County
  • 1925 - Martin County is officially established
  • 1940s - The construction of the St. Lucie Canal begins
  • 1952 - The city of Stuart becomes the county seat
  • 1980s - Martin County experiences a significant population growth
  • 2000s - Efforts are made to preserve the county's natural resources and promote sustainable development