Historical Marker

Saginaw Post Office

Historical marker location:
500 Federal Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan
( Marker is at the intersection of Federal Avenue and South Warren Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Federal Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1995

  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 was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Michigan random facts
Saginaw County, located in the eastern part of the state of Michigan, has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ojibwe and Potawatomi before European settlers arrived in the 19th century.

The first permanent settlement in Saginaw County was established in 1819 when Louis Campau built a trading post on the Saginaw River. The fur trade flourished in the region, attracting more settlers, and the county was officially organized in 1835. The city of Saginaw became the county seat and quickly grew as a shipping hub for timber and other natural resources.

In the mid-19th century, the lumber industry boomed in Saginaw County, making it one of the leading lumber producers in the nation. The county's vast forests were harvested extensively to meet the growing demand for wood, leading to rapid economic development. Sawmills, logging camps, and other related industries prospered in the county during this period.

As the lumber industry declined in the late 19th century, Saginaw County underwent a transition. The arrival of railroads in the region sparked the growth of manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. Companies like General Motors established factories in the county, providing employment opportunities and fueling population growth.

Today, Saginaw County is a diverse and thriving community. While it still faces challenges, such as revitalizing the downtown area and attracting new industries, the county remains an important center of commerce and culture in Michigan. Its history as a trading post, lumber powerhouse, and manufacturing hub continues to shape its identity and contribute to its ongoing growth and development.

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

  • 1831 - Saginaw County is organized and established
  • 1835 - First permanent settlement, Saginaw City, is established
  • 1847 - The Michigan Central Railroad arrives in Saginaw County, boosting economic growth
  • 1853 - Saginaw County's population reaches over 12,000
  • 1865 - Saginaw County suffers a devastating fire, destroying much of the city
  • 1867 - The Saginaw Valley State Normal School (now Saginaw Valley State University) is founded
  • 1886 - The Saginaw County Courthouse is completed
  • 1910 - Saginaw County's population reaches its peak at around 102,000
  • 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts Saginaw County's economy
  • 1941 - General Motors establishes a major manufacturing presence in Saginaw County
  • 1959 - Saginaw County's population begins to decline due to industrial restructuring
  • 1990 - Saginaw County's population drops to around 230,000
  • 2007 - The Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission is established