Historical Marker

Old Post Office

Historical marker location:
111 North Calvert Street, Downtown Baltimore, Maryland
( Marker is on North Calvert Street (Maryland Route 2), on the right when traveling north.)

  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 Maryland.
The University of Maryland was founded in 1856: The University of Maryland, College Park, was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. Today, it is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and is one of the largest universities in the state.
Maryland random facts
Baltimore County, Maryland has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. It was established in 1659 as one of the original counties in the colony of Maryland. The area was initially settled by English colonists, who developed tobacco plantations with the help of enslaved Africans. The county's economy thrived on agricultural production, with farms becoming a predominant feature of the landscape.

During the American Revolutionary War, Baltimore County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. It served as a key transportation hub, with roads connecting the county's towns and villages to Baltimore City and other regions. The county's early industries included flour milling, ironworking, and shipbuilding, which contributed to its growth and prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the 19th century, Baltimore County experienced industrialization, driven by the growth of Baltimore City. The construction of railways and the expansion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad facilitated commerce and trade in the county. This period also saw the development of mill towns such as Catonsville and Dundalk, attracting a diverse workforce. The county was also home to notable historical figures like Frederick Douglass, who was born and enslaved in Talbot County.

In the 20th century, Baltimore County continued to grow and diversify its economy. The county experienced suburbanization as residents sought more space outside of the city, leading to the growth of residential communities and the establishment of suburban shopping centers. Today, Baltimore County is a vibrant and diverse area, known for its charming towns, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes, while preserving its historical heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Baltimore County, Maryland.

  • 1608: Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and encountered Native American tribes in the Baltimore County area.
  • 1661: Baltimore County was established as one of the original counties in the province of Maryland.
  • 1674: The town of Joppa became the county seat.
  • 1692: The county seat was moved to Baltimore, which was designated as a port of entry.
  • 1729: The part of Baltimore County that is now Harford County was split off.
  • 1768: Baltimore Town was incorporated as a city.
  • 1777: Baltimore County became a part of the new independent state of Maryland.
  • 1851: The Maryland State Fair, now known as the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society of Baltimore County, was first held in Timonium.
  • 1854: Baltimore County was divided into three new counties - Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Howard County.
  • 1931: Baltimore City and Baltimore County's governance was separated.
  • 1974: The Carroll County portion of Baltimore County was split off to become a separate county.