Historical Marker

Orchard Island Post Office

Historical marker location:
Russells Point, Ohio
( Marker is on Forest Avenue, on the left when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 2004

  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.

Ohio was a key battleground state in the 2004 presidential election, with the outcome ultimately decided by a margin of just over 118,000 votes.
Ohio random facts
Located in the state of Ohio, Logan County has a rich and diverse history that spans back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Wyandot. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, establishing small villages. Logan County was officially created in 1818 and named after Benjamin Logan, a pioneer and Revolutionary War officer.

During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy. Farms flourished, and the canal system, particularly the Miami and Erie Canal, brought increased commerce and trade to the area. In the mid-19th century, the presence of railroads further facilitated transportation and led to the growth of Logan County's towns and industries. The county became known for its production of grain, livestock, and dairy products.

Logan County was not immune to the impacts of major historical events. The Civil War era saw many of its residents join the Union forces, and the county was actively involved in supporting the war effort. The development of manufacturing and industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought both prosperity and challenges. The county experienced economic fluctuations, but agriculture and manufacturing remained important pillars of its economy.

In more recent years, Logan County has embraced diversification and economic development. Efforts have been made to attract new industries, including automotive manufacturing and logistics. The county also values its natural resources, with several parks and recreational areas, such as Indian Lake State Park, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Today, Logan County continues to grow and evolve, driven by a combination of agricultural heritage, industrial development, and a commitment to preserving its history for future generations.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Logan County, Ohio.

  • 1818: Logan County is established and named after Benjamin Logan, a prominent early settler and Revolutionary War officer.
  • 1829: The Hi-Point Career Center, a vocational school, is founded in Bellefontaine.
  • 1840: The first railroad, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, reaches Bellefontaine.
  • 1877: The Bellefontaine Industrial School (now the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center) is established.
  • 1895: West Liberty hosts the first automobile race in Ohio.
  • 1950: The Indian Lake Reservoir is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.
  • 1953: The Ohio Caverns, a popular tourist attraction, opens to the public.
  • 1963: The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is established in Bellefontaine.
  • 2008: The Mad River Mountain ski resort celebrates its 50th anniversary.