Historical Marker

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

Historical marker location:
134 Main Street, Littleton, New Hampshire
( Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 302) east of Maple Street, on the right when traveling west.)

  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 New Hampshire.
The name "New Hampshire" was given to the territory in 1629 by Captain John Mason, who was the governor of the Mason Province.
New Hampshire random facts
Grafton County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. It was originally settled by European immigrants in the mid-18th century, with the first townships established in the 1760s. The area was primarily occupied by indigenous Abenaki people, who had traditionally used the lands for hunting and fishing.

During the American Revolution, Grafton County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many local residents enlisted in the Continental Army and fought in pivotal battles such as Bunker Hill and Saratoga. Although the county itself was not directly involved in any major battles, it provided crucial resources and support, including supplying troops with food and clothing.

In the early 19th century, Grafton County experienced rapid industrialization, driven by the rise of the textile and manufacturing industries. Water-powered mills were established along the region's rivers, leading to the growth of mill towns such as Lebanon and Littleton. These towns became centers of commerce and provided employment opportunities for many local residents.

Since then, Grafton County has experienced steady population growth and development. It has become known for its scenic beauty, with the White Mountains National Forest covering a large portion of the county. The area continues to attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities. Grafton County's rich history and natural attractions make it a vibrant and diverse part of New Hampshire.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grafton County, New Hampshire.

  • 1769 - Grafton County is established by the New Hampshire Provincial Assembly.
  • 1770 - Townships within Grafton County are granted to settlers by the Masonian Proprietors.
  • 1772 - Plymouth becomes the first incorporated town in Grafton County.
  • 1773 - Dartmouth College is founded in Hanover.
  • 1799 - The town of Haverhill is split into two separate towns, resulting in Woodsville.
  • 1823 - The town of Bath is incorporated.
  • 1827 - The town of Lisbon is incorporated.
  • 1840 - The town of Lincoln is incorporated.
  • 1865 - The town of Littleton is incorporated.
  • 1895 - The town of Lebanon is incorporated.
  • 1939 - The Old Man of the Mountain, a famous rock formation, collapses in Franconia Notch.