Historical Marker

United States Post Office

Historical marker location:
271 Cadman Plaza West, Brooklyn, New York
( Marker is at the intersection of Cadman Plaza West and Johnson Street, on the right when traveling north on Cadman Plaza West.)

Landmarks of New York

  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 York.
New York State was the site of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history prior to 9/11. In 1993, a bomb planted in the World Trade Center by Islamic extremists killed six people and injured more than a thousand others.
New York random facts
Kings County, located in the state of New York, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Lenape, the area was explored by European settlers in the early 17th century. The Dutch were the first to establish a settlement, known as Breuckelen, in 1634. The English took control of the region in 1664, changing the name to Brooklyn.

During the American Revolutionary War, Kings County played a significant role as a strategic location for both British and American forces. The Battle of Brooklyn, fought in August 1776, resulted in a victory for the British and a subsequent occupation of the area for the remainder of the war. After the war, Brooklyn grew rapidly as a result of its close proximity to Manhattan and the expanding transportation infrastructure.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Kings County witnessed significant population growth and urban development. The completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 improved access between Brooklyn and Manhattan, leading to a surge in population and industrialization. The borough became a major center for industry, manufacturing, and immigration. Immigrants from all over the world, particularly from Eastern Europe and Ireland, settled in Brooklyn, contributing to its cultural diversity.

In 1898, Brooklyn, along with several other surrounding municipalities, was consolidated into the newly formed City of Greater New York, becoming a borough of the city. Throughout the 20th century, Brooklyn continued to evolve, experiencing various ups and downs. It faced economic challenges, racial tensions, and urban decay, but also witnessed periods of revitalization and cultural renaissance. Today, Kings County is a vibrant cultural and economic hub, known for its diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and iconic landmarks.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kings County, New York.

  • 1683 - Kings County is founded as one of the original counties of New York Province.
  • 1777 - The Battle of Long Island takes place in Kings County during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1824 - The village of Brooklyn is incorporated.
  • 1834 - The borough of Brooklyn is established.
  • 1898 - Brooklyn, along with other towns, becomes a part of New York City through consolidation.
  • 1924 - The name of Kings County is officially changed to the County of Brooklyn.
  • 1952 - The name of the County of Brooklyn is changed back to Kings County.
  • 2000 - The population of Kings County reaches over 2.4 million, making it the most populous county in New York State.
  • 2014 - Kings County experiences a surge in economic growth and development, with the opening of various businesses and the revitalization of neighborhoods.