Historical Marker

Post Office

Historical marker location:
4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, North Carolina
( Marker can be reached from R. Dean Coleman Road.)

  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 North Carolina.
The Cherokee Indians originally inhabited much of western North Carolina before being forcibly removed by the federal government in the 1800s. Today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians still maintains a reservation in the western part of the state.
North Carolina random facts
Alamance County, located in North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Occaneechi and Sissipahaw tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 18th century, primarily of English, Irish, and German descent.

In the late 18th century, Alamance County played a significant role in the American Revolution. The Battle of Alamance took place in 1771, which was fought between colonial rebels called the Regulators and British Governor William Tryon's militia. Although the Regulators were ultimately defeated, this event highlighted growing discontent among North Carolina residents towards British rule and served as a precursor to the American Revolution.

During the 19th century, Alamance County's economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly in growing cotton, tobacco, and grain. Slavery was prominent in the area, with many plantations and large farms relying on enslaved labor. The county also witnessed significant growth in textile manufacturing with the establishment of numerous cotton mills in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Alamance County continued to evolve in the 20th century, experiencing industrialization and urbanization. The county saw the rise of manufacturing industries such as textile mills, furniture factories, and tobacco processing plants. These industries provided employment opportunities and attracted a diverse population. Today, Alamance County is known for its vibrant communities, thriving economy, and its historical significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into North Carolina's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Alamance County, North Carolina.

  • 1849 - Alamance County is formed from parts of Orange County and Randolph County
  • 1881 - The first railroad, the North Carolina Railroad, reaches Alamance County
  • 1886 - The town of Burlington is incorporated
  • 1963 - The Alamance County Historical Museum is established
  • 1967 - Alamance Community College is founded
  • 1997 - The North Carolina Zoological Park opens its off-site Conservation Center in Alamance County
  • 2001 - The Textile Heritage Museum is founded in Glencoe, Alamance County