Old Stevensville Post Office

Historical marker location:

408 Old Love Point Road, Stevensville, Maryland

( Marker is on Old Love Point Road east of East Main Street, on the right when traveling east.)

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.

Maryland was home to the first African American woman to hold a patent: In 1885, Sarah E. Goode, an African American woman from Baltimore, became the first African American woman to hold a U.S. patent. Her invention was a folding cabinet bed, which was designed to save space in small apartments.

About Queen Anne's County

Queen Anne's County is located in the state of Maryland and holds a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Matapeake and the Kent, who thrived in the region due to its fertile land and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. European settlement began in the early 17th century when English colonists arrived in search of new opportunities.

In 1706, Queen Anne's County was officially established and named after Queen Anne of Great Britain. It quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, thanks to its ideal location along the Eastern Shore and its deepwater ports. Over the years, the county's economy thrived on agriculture, with tobacco being the primary crop. However, as the tobacco industry declined in the late 18th century, the county shifted towards other agricultural activities such as wheat, corn, and vegetable farming.

During the American Revolutionary War, Queen Anne's County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many local residents joined the colonial forces, while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The county also saw its share of conflicts during the War of 1812 when the British launched multiple attacks on the Chesapeake Bay region, including the famous Battle of Caulk's Field, which took place in Queen Anne's County.

In the 20th century, Queen Anne's County embraced tourism, taking advantage of its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Numerous historic sites, such as the historic Stevensville district and the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, were established, welcoming visitors from near and far. Today, Queen Anne's County continues to thrive as a hub for recreational activities, agriculture, and as a charming destination for history enthusiasts.

Queen Anne's County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Queen Anne's County, Maryland.

1706 - Queen Anne's County is established as part of Maryland's colony.
1766 - The county seat is established in Centreville.
1776 - Queen Anne's County residents support the American Revolution.
1801 - The U.S. Congress authorizes the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which is completed in 1829.
1813 - The British fleet attacks and burns multiple towns in Queen Anne's County during the War of 1812.
1849 - The first railroad, Queen Anne's Railroad, begins operation in the county.
1863 - A small skirmish occurs at Queen Anne's Railroad Bridge during the Civil War.
1876 - The Chesapeake Bay Railway opens, improving transportation in the county.
1906 - A new county courthouse is built in Centreville.
1952 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects the county to the Eastern Shore and boosts tourism.
1985 - Queen Anne's County evolves as a popular suburb due to its proximity to major cities.