Historical Marker

Berlin Post Office 1894

Historical marker location:
Berlin, New Jersey
( Marker is on White Horse Pike (Route 30), on the right when traveling north.)

  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.

The first organized drive-in movie theater in the world opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. The concept quickly caught on and drive-in theaters became a popular form of entertainment across the United States.
New Jersey random facts
Camden County, New Jersey has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the 17th century. Originally inhabited by Lenape Native Americans, the area was first explored by European settlers in the early 1600s. In 1681, William Cooper purchased land from the Lenape and established a settlement called Cooper's Ferry, which would later become known as Camden. Camden County was officially established in 1844, named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, an influential English jurist.

During the 19th century, Camden County became a major industrial hub due to its location on the Delaware River. The county experienced significant growth as industries flourished, such as shipping, manufacturing, and transportation. The Camden and Amboy Railroad, established in 1830, played a key role in the county's development, connecting Camden to Philadelphia and further fueling economic growth.

In the 20th century, Camden County faced both successes and challenges. The construction of the world-renowned Benjamin Franklin Bridge in 1926 bolstered the county's connections to Philadelphia and served as a symbol of progress. However, like many industrial areas, Camden County also experienced economic decline and urban decay in the mid-20th century due to the shift of industries and suburbanization.

In recent years, Camden County has undergone a revitalization process and focused on urban renewal efforts. The county has invested in education, recreation, and healthcare initiatives to improve the quality of life for its residents. Additionally, Camden's waterfront has been transformed into an area of commercial and residential development, attracting new businesses and visitors to the county. Overall, Camden County's history is a tale of growth, challenges, and ongoing efforts to adapt and thrive in a changing world.

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

  • 1705: Camden County, NJ was founded as a county in the Province of West Jersey.
  • 1726: The first road, known as Kings Highway, was constructed in the county.
  • 1801: The bustling Camden and Amboy Railroad was established, promoting growth in the county.
  • 1844: The City of Camden was incorporated, becoming the county seat.
  • 1854: The county's first public school was established, providing education for local children.
  • 1901: The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, connecting Camden County to Philadelphia, was opened.
  • 1941: The famous Campbell Soup Company relocated its headquarters to Camden County.
  • 1955: The Walt Whitman Bridge opened, further connecting the county to Philadelphia.
  • 2001: The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial was established in Camden County.