Historical Marker

Crowley Louisiana Post Office 1913

Historical marker location:
124 East Third Street, Crowley, Louisiana
( Marker is at the intersection of East Third Street and North Avenue G, on the right when traveling east on East Third 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.

The Louisiana State Capitol building, located in Baton Rouge, is the tallest capitol building in the United States. It stands at 450 feet tall and has 34 floors.
Louisiana random facts
Acadia Parish, Louisiana has a rich history that dates back to its settlement by French explorers in the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Attakapas and Coushatta Native American tribes. However, it was not until the establishment of Fort St. Jean Baptiste in present-day Natchitoches in 1714 that French influence began to shape the region.

In 1755, the Acadians, French-speaking settlers from Canada, were expelled by the British from Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia) in what is known as the Great Expulsion or Grand Dérangement. Many of these exiled Acadians, commonly known as Cajuns, found refuge in South Louisiana, including Acadia Parish. They brought with them their vibrant culture, language, and traditions, which have greatly influenced the region ever since.

The area that is now Acadia Parish was originally part of St. Landry Parish and was formed as an independent parish in 1886. The city of Crowley, founded in 1887, became the parish seat. The town was named after Pat Crowley, an Irish-American who played a pivotal role in the development of the area by creating the Louisiana Western Railroad, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region.

Throughout its history, Acadia Parish has been primarily agrarian, with cotton and rice as the main crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought economic diversification and led to the emergence of new industries. Today, Acadia Parish is known for its thriving agriculture, oil and gas production, as well as its popular Cajun and Creole cuisine, music, and festivals, making it a vibrant and culturally significant part of Louisiana's history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

  • Pre-18th century: The area that would become Acadia Parish was home to Native American tribes, including the Attakapas and Opelousas tribes.
  • Mid-18th century: French settlers begin arriving in the area, establishing small farms and communities.
  • 1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, with France ceding the territory to Spain.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase occurs, transferring the area from Spanish control to the United States.
  • Early 19th century: Settlers from various backgrounds, including Acadians, Germans, and Anglo-Americans, continue to migrate to the area.
  • 1843: The region becomes part of St. Landry Parish.
  • 1886: Acadia Parish is established as a separate parish by the Louisiana Legislature, with Crowley chosen as the parish seat.
  • Early 20th century: The region experiences growth and development, with the economy centered around agriculture, particularly rice and sugarcane cultivation.
  • 1927: The Great Mississippi Flood devastates the area, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 20th century onward: Acadia Parish continues to develop, diversifying its economy and maintaining its agricultural roots.