Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
680 West King Street, Boone, North Carolina
( Marker can be reached from West King Street (U.S. 321) east of Linney Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Boone, North Carolina

  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.
North Carolina is home to a number of famous musicians, including James Taylor, Randy Travis, and Charlie Daniels.
North Carolina random facts
Watauga County, located in the western part of North Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba, who lived off the land and established a number of settlements along the Watauga River.

European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, with the Watauga Association established in 1772 as one of the first attempts at self-government west of the Appalachian Mountains. The area saw significant political and social change during this time, and the Watauga Association is considered a precursor to the state of Tennessee. The county itself was officially formed in 1849, named after the Watauga River, and became the 99th county in North Carolina.

Watauga County played a crucial role during the American Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Union cause. Confederate and Union forces clashed in the area, and the county was occupied by both sides at various points during the war. The conflicts and struggles in Watauga County reflect the larger divisions and tensions in the country during this time.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Watauga County experienced growth and development. It became a popular summer retreat for families seeking relief from the heat of the lowlands. The establishment of Appalachian State Normal School (now Appalachian State University) in 1899 gave the county an educational and cultural center that continues to thrive today. The county has since grown into a thriving community that celebrates its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Watauga County, North Carolina.

  • 1771 - The area that would later become Watauga County is settled by pioneers from Virginia and Pennsylvania.
  • 1849 - Watauga County is officially established as a county in North Carolina.
  • 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth in population and economy as new industries, such as logging and mining, thrive.
  • 1861-1865 - Watauga County residents actively participate in the American Civil War, with many joining the Confederate Army.
  • 1879 - The town of Boone is incorporated, serving as the county seat of Watauga County.
  • 1899 - The Appalachian Training School, which would later become Appalachian State University, is founded in Boone.
  • 1940s-1950s - The county experiences an economic decline as industries like logging and mining decline.
  • 1970s - Tourism becomes a significant industry in Watauga County, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • 2003 - The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic road that runs through Watauga County, is designated as an All-American Road.
  • 2010 - The population of Watauga County reaches over 50,000, reflecting continued growth and development in the area.