First Post Office Site

Historical marker location:
Richland, Georgia
( Marker is at the intersection of Broad Street and Wall Street (Old U.S. 280), on the right when traveling west on Broad Street.)
Marker installed: 1956

  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.

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The state of Georgia was once home to a thriving film industry, with Hollywood studios establishing themselves in Atlanta in the early 20th century. However, the industry largely moved to California after the introduction of sound in films made outdoor filming difficult due to the noise pollution of the city.
Stewart County, Georgia has a rich history rooted in Native American tribes and European colonization. The area was originally inhabited by the Creek and Cherokee tribes, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with European settlers. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to establish themselves in the region, and in 1830, the Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of indigenous peoples, paving the way for white settlement.

The county itself was created in 1830 and named after General Daniel Stewart, a Revolutionary War hero. It quickly became a hub for agriculture, with farms and plantations springing up throughout the area. Cotton, in particular, became a major cash crop, and large plantations were worked by enslaved people.

During the Civil War, Stewart County was a center of Confederate support. The county sent hundreds of men to fight for the South and experienced devastation as Union troops moved through the area. After the war, the county struggled to recover economically, as the agricultural system dependent on enslaved labor collapsed.

In the 20th century, Stewart County saw significant social and economic change. The boll weevil infestation in the 1920s devastated the cotton industry, leading to a shift toward diversified agriculture. The county also experienced population decline, as younger generations left in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Today, Stewart County continues to be a rural community, with a focus on agriculture and small businesses.

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

  • 1830: Stewart County is created by the Georgia legislature.
  • 1838-1839: The Creek Indian Removal takes place, leading to the settlement of the county.
  • 1850: The population of Stewart County reaches its peak at over 12,000 people.
  • 1861-1865: The Civil War affects Stewart County, and many residents serve in the Confederate Army.
  • 1870s: Reconstruction period begins after the war, leading to social and economic changes.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
  • 1950s: Technological advancements and improved infrastructure reach Stewart County.
  • 2000s: The population declines significantly, and the county faces economic challenges.