Historical Marker

Rogers City Post Office

Historical marker location:
188 North 3rd Street, Rogers City, Michigan
( Marker is on North 3rd Street (Alternate U.S. 23) south of West Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2011

Historic Site No. 15

  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 Michigan.
Michigan is home to several famous musicians, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop, and Bob Seger. Motown Records, one of the most influential record labels in history, was also founded in Detroit in 1959.
Michigan random facts
Presque Isle County, located in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The county's earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi, who inhabited the region long before the arrival of European settlers. These tribes relied on the area's natural resources, including the dense forests and abundant wildlife, for sustenance and trade.

European exploration and settlement began in the 17th and 18th centuries, with French fur traders venturing into the region. The area witnessed increased exploration and the establishment of trading posts in the early 19th century, as the fur trade industry expanded. In 1836, Presque Isle County was formally organized by the Michigan territorial legislature, making it one of the oldest counties in the state.

The county's development was greatly influenced by its natural resources, particularly timber and limestone. The abundance of beech, birch, and maple trees led to the establishment of logging operations, which played a significant role in the economic growth of Presque Isle County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The County also became known for its limestone, which was quarried and used for construction and various industrial purposes.

Presque Isle County's economy later diversified, with an increasing focus on tourism and recreational activities. With its picturesque shoreline along Lake Huron and numerous inland lakes, the county became a popular destination for fishermen, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1870, which has become a historical landmark and tourist attraction.

Today, Presque Isle County continues to thrive as a recreational paradise and a close-knit community that values its rich history. The county's residents take pride in preserving its natural beauty and heritage, making it an inviting place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Presque Isle County, Michigan.

  • 1831 - Presque Isle County is organized and established.
  • 1833 - The first pioneer settles in the county.
  • 1839 - The first log schoolhouse is built in the county.
  • 1840 - The first sawmill is constructed in the county.
  • 1858 - Presque Isle Township is established.
  • 1860 - Presque Isle County's population reaches 1,024.
  • 1871 - Presque Isle Lighthouse is completed.
  • 1881 - The county seat is moved from Black Lake to Rogers City.
  • 1889 - Presque Isle County Courthouse is completed in Rogers City.
  • 1950 - The population of Presque Isle County reaches its peak at 13,945.
  • 1969 - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1976 - Presque Isle County Historical Museum is established in Rogers City.