Historical Marker

1862 Post Office

Historical marker location:
Memphis, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of Adams Street and Alley Between N. Third and N. Fourth, on the right when traveling east on Adams Street.)
Marker installed: 1969

  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 Tennessee.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. It was also a key site for nuclear research during the Cold War.
Tennessee random facts
Shelby County, located in southwestern Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Its earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Choctaw, who relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French explorers venturing into the region.

By the early 19th century, Shelby County had become a significant center of commerce and trade due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. The city of Memphis, founded in 1819, quickly emerged as the region's economic hub, attracting merchants, entrepreneurs, and settlers from all across the country. The county played a crucial role in the cotton industry, with Memphis serving as a major cotton market and transportation hub.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Shelby County. While the state of Tennessee initially seceded from the Union, Memphis was occupied by Union forces in 1862, shifting the region's allegiances. The county experienced significant destruction during the war, witnessing battles and suffering from prolonged military occupation. However, with the end of the war came a period of reconstruction and rebirth for Shelby County.

Throughout the 20th century, Shelby County continued to grow and evolve. The city of Memphis became a center of civil rights activism, with pivotal events like the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taking place there. The county has also been known for its musical contributions, particularly in the genres of blues and rock 'n' roll, with iconic artists such as Elvis Presley and B.B. King originating from the region. Today, Shelby County remains an important cultural, economic, and political center in Tennessee, blending its historical legacy with modern progress.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shelby County, Tennessee.

  • 1819: Shelby County was established on November 24.
  • 1835: Memphis was incorporated as a city on December 19.
  • 1843: Shelby County Courthouse, now known as the Old Shelby County Courthouse, was built.
  • 1861-1865: Shelby County was deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1899: The first automobile was registered in Shelby County.
  • 1925: The Memphis Pyramid was completed.
  • 1968: The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
  • 1977: Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," passed away in his Graceland mansion.