Historical Marker

United States Post Office / La Poste des Etats-Unis

Historical marker location:
Market Square, Augusta, Maine
( Marker is on Water Street south of Winthrop Street/Front Street, on the left when traveling north.)

Augusta, Maine

  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.

Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
Maine random facts
Kennebec County, situated in the state of Maine, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the region was inhabited by the indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki tribe. They relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture and left behind the remnants of their villages and burial grounds.

In the 17th century, English settlers arrived in the area and began establishing colonies. The Kennebec Company, a group of Plymouth Colony investors, established Fort St. George in 1607 as a trading post and a center for the fur trade. However, conflicts with the local tribes, as well as harsh living conditions, led to the abandonment of the fort just a few years later.

During the American Revolution, Kennebec County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The town of Hallowell was a crucial manufacturing center, producing items such as cannons and ships for the Continental Army. Augusta, which became the county seat in 1799, was strategically located along the Kennebec River and served as a transportation hub during the war.

In the 19th century, Kennebec County experienced significant industrial growth. The construction of the Kennebec and Portland Railroad in 1849 provided a means for transporting goods, leading to the development of textile mills, paper mills, and other industries. These industries brought jobs and prosperity to the region, and the population of the county continued to grow.

Today, Kennebec County remains an important county in Maine. It is home to Augusta, the state capital, and offers a combination of historical attractions, natural beauty, and thriving communities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and events, providing visitors and residents alike with a glimpse into its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kennebec County, Maine.

  • 1674 - Kennebec County was originally part of Plymouth Colony.
  • 1692 - The area became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1799 - Kennebec County was established as a county in the state of Massachusetts.
  • 1820 - Maine became a separate state from Massachusetts, and Kennebec County became part of Maine.
  • 1832 - The state capital of Maine was moved from Portland to Augusta, located in Kennebec County.
  • 1870 - The Maine State House, the seat of government for the state, was completed in Augusta.
  • 1911 - Construction of the Augusta State Hospital, later known as the Augusta Mental Health Institute, began.
  • 1958 - The Maine Turnpike, connecting the cities of Portland and Augusta, was completed.
  • 1980 - Construction of the Augusta Civic Center, a large convention and exhibition center, was completed.