Historical Marker

The United States Post Office - Circa 1903

Historical marker location:
New Iberia, Louisiana
( Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (State Highway 182) and South Weeks Street, on the left when traveling west on East Main Street.)
Marker installed: 2008

  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.

The Louisiana Hayride, a radio show that was broadcast from Shreveport, Louisiana, helped launch the careers of several famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. The show ran from 1948 to 1960 and was known for its promotion of country and rockabilly music.
Louisiana random facts
Iberia Parish, located in the southern part of Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chitimacha tribe, who lived along the banks of the Bayou Teche. The French were the first Europeans to settle in the area, establishing a trading post in what is now New Iberia.

In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, Spanish forces took control of Louisiana, including Iberia Parish. Under Spanish rule, the area saw an increase in population and agricultural development. Sugar cane became the primary crop, leading to the establishment of sugar plantations. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the architecture and culture of the region.

In 1803, Louisiana was acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The new American government brought changes to Iberia Parish, including the introduction of English as the primary language and the influx of American settlers. The 19th century saw economic growth in the parish, with the expansion of the sugar industry and the completion of the railroad, which connected Iberia Parish to New Orleans and facilitated trade.

Throughout the 20th century, Iberia Parish continued to grow and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the 1930s brought an economic boom, leading to the establishment of petroleum and manufacturing industries. The parish also became known for its seafood production, particularly shrimp and crab. Today, the economy of Iberia Parish is diverse, encompassing industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and seafood production. The rich cultural heritage of the area is celebrated through festivals, museums, and historic sites, attracting visitors from all over the world.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Iberia Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1765 - Spanish authorities establish a settlement known as "Nueva Iberia" in the area now known as Iberia Parish.
  • 1803 - Louisiana Purchase: Spain cedes the territory, including Iberia Parish, to the United States.
  • 1824 - Iberia Parish is officially established as a parish in the state of Louisiana.
  • 1839 - Construction of the first courthouse in New Iberia is completed.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, New Iberia is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1893 - The Great Fire of New Iberia destroys a significant portion of the city.
  • 1930s - Discovery of the Weeks Island salt dome leads to the development of the oil and gas industry in Iberia Parish.
  • 1941 - Naval Air Station New Iberia is established as a training facility during World War II.
  • 1970s - The shrimp industry becomes a prominent economic sector in Iberia Parish.
  • 1987 - Tabasco Sauce Museum opens in Avery Island, attracting visitors from around the world.