Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:
184 W Franklin St, Hartwell, Georgia
( Marker is at the intersection of West Franklin Street (U.S. 29) and Carolina Street, on the right when traveling west on West Franklin Street.)

  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 Georgia.
Georgia is also known for its rich agricultural history, with cotton, peanuts, and peaches among the state's top crops.
Georgia random facts
Hart County, Georgia, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek, who relied on the abundant natural resources provided by the rolling hills and rivers.

European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the county was officially established in 1853. It was named after Nancy Hart, a legendary figure in the American Revolution who played an important role in the fight against British forces. The county quickly developed as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary crop.

During the Civil War, Hart County, like much of the South, faced major challenges. Many men from the area enlisted in the Confederate Army, while others supported the Union. The region experienced devastating battles, such as the Battle of Hartwell, as both sides fought for control over strategic resources and transportation routes.

In the decades following the war, Hart County continued to rely on agriculture, but also saw growth in industries such as textiles and manufacturing. The construction of Lake Hartwell in the 1950s brought new opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation. Today, the county has a thriving economy, with a mix of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and tourism, while also preserving its historical charm and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hart County, Georgia.

  • 1771 - Hart County, Georgia is created and named after Revolutionary War hero, Nancy Morgan Hart.
  • 1783 - Georgia obtains the land that eventually becomes Hart County from the Cherokee Nation in the Treaty of Augusta.
  • 1797 - The first permanent white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1803 - The town of Hartwell is established as the county seat.
  • 1825 - The first courthouse is constructed in Hartwell.
  • 1850 - Hart County's population reaches over 8,000, with farming as the primary industry.
  • 1851 - A railroad is built in Hart County, boosting trade and transportation in the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Hart County residents fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1895 - The Hart County Courthouse is destroyed by fire.
  • 1924 - Hart County High School is established.
  • 1966 - The completion of Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River creates Lake Hartwell, a popular recreational area.
  • 1998 - Hart County celebrates its bicentennial.