Historical Marker

The Edgar Post Office

Historical marker location:
1 Keuka Road, Edgar, Florida
( Marker is on Keuka Road (State Road 20A) 1.4 miles east of County Road 21, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2012

Marker
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© OpenStreetMap contributors
  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
Putnam County, Florida is located in the northeastern part of the state, bordered by the St. Johns River to the west. The area that would become Putnam County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole people. European settlers arrived in the area in the 18th century.

In 1774, British naturalist William Bartram explored the region, documenting the flora and fauna. However, it was not until 1821, when Florida became a United States territory, that organized settlement of Putnam County began. The county was officially established in 1849 and named after Benjamin A. Putnam, a soldier in the Seminole Wars.

In the late 19th century, Putnam County experienced a significant economic boom due to the growth of the citrus industry. The riverfront town of Palatka became a major center for citrus packaging and shipping. The industry played a crucial role in the county's economy until a series of hard freezes in the 1890s caused extensive damage to citrus groves, leading to a decline in production.

The early 20th century brought new opportunities to Putnam County with the arrival of the railroad, allowing for increased connectivity and trade. The town of Crescent City, located on the western edge of the county, became a popular destination for tourists seeking recreational activities on the lake. Today, Putnam County continues to maintain its ties to agriculture, with farming and forestry as important industries, while also embracing its natural beauty and history as a draw for visitors.

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

  • 1832 - Putnam County is established and named after Benjamin A. Putnam, a soldier during the Second Seminole War
  • 1838 - The county seat is established in Palatka
  • 1860 - Putnam County's economy is primarily based on agriculture, including citrus farming and timber production
  • 1884 - The Ocklawaha River is dredged, opening up trade routes for the county
  • 1893 - Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway reaches Palatka, boosting economic development
  • 1908 - The construction of the Rodman Dam begins, creating the Rodman Reservoir
  • 1930s - The Great Depression severely affects Putnam County, leading to economic decline
  • 1968 - Hurricane Dora hits Putnam County, causing significant damage
  • 1971 - The completion of the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail, now known as the Palatka-to-St. Augustine Rail Trail
  • 1998 - The completion of the new Palatka Memorial Bridge over St. Johns River