Old Post Office
Historical marker location: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.
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. The fair featured exhibits from around the world and introduced several new inventions and products to the public, including the ice cream cone and Dr Pepper soft drink.
The Parish's history took a significant turn in 1810 when it officially became a part of the newly formed Louisiana Territory. As the United States expanded and Louisiana became a state, East Baton Rouge Parish continued to grow, attracting settlers from various backgrounds, including African-Americans, Europeans, and Cajuns. The diverse cultural heritage of these groups would contribute to the unique identity of the area.
During the Civil War, East Baton Rouge Parish saw its share of turmoil. Baton Rouge itself was occupied by Union forces in 1862 and became a center for Union military operations in the region. The war brought about much destruction and brought significant changes to the social and economic landscape of the Parish.
In the modern era, East Baton Rouge Parish has continued to evolve and develop. The area has experienced rapid growth, with Baton Rouge becoming the state capital in 1849. Today, the Parish is home to a thriving economy with industries ranging from petrochemicals and manufacturing to education and healthcare. Despite its growth, the historical significance of East Baton Rouge Parish is still visible in the region through its preservation of historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural traditions.
East Baton Rouge Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
- 1699 - French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville arrives in present-day Louisiana, including the area that would become East Baton Rouge Parish.
- 1763 - Treaty of Paris ends French and Indian War, transferring control of Louisiana (including East Baton Rouge Parish) from France to Spain.
- 1800 - Spain cedes Louisiana back to France through the Treaty of San Ildefonso.
- 1803 - United States purchases Louisiana from France in the Louisiana Purchase, gaining control of East Baton Rouge Parish.
- 1810 - West Florida Rebellion, including the area of East Baton Rouge Parish, declares independence from Spain and briefly forms the Republic of West Florida.
- 1812 - Louisiana achieves statehood, with East Baton Rouge Parish as one of its original parishes.
- 1840 - Baton Rouge becomes the capital of Louisiana.
- 1846 - East Baton Rouge Parish experiences a major flood, causing significant damage to the area.
- 1861 - Louisiana secedes from the Union, joining the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1862 - Union forces capture Baton Rouge, bringing East Baton Rouge Parish under Union control during the Civil War.
- 1882 - The Louisiana State University (LSU) is founded, establishing a major educational institution in East Baton Rouge Parish.
- 1918 - East Baton Rouge Parish is severely affected by the Spanish influenza pandemic, which spreads across the world.
- 1973 - East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council is established, changing the governing structure of the parish.
- 2005 - East Baton Rouge Parish, along with the rest of the Gulf Coast, is heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina, causing significant damage.