Historical Marker

Salem’s First Post Office

Historical marker location:
13 South 300 West, Salem, Utah
( Marker is on South 300 West, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1995

  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.

During World War II, a Japanese internment camp was located in Utah. The Topaz War Relocation Center, located in Millard County, held more than 8,000 Japanese Americans who were forced to leave their homes on the West Coast.
Utah random facts
Utah County is located in the central part of the state of Utah, in the United States. Its history dates back to the arrival of the first European settlers in the area in the mid-19th century. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Shoshone peoples.

In 1849, Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), sent a group of pioneers to establish a settlement in Utah Valley, which later became Utah County. The settlers faced several challenges, including harsh climate conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, the settlement grew and prospered as more pioneers arrived in the area.

Utah County became the center of religious, social, and economic activities for the Mormon pioneers. The construction of the Provo Tabernacle and the Provo City Center Temple served as important landmarks of the region's religious heritage. Agriculture, especially fruit cultivation, became a significant industry in the county, with apples, cherries, and peaches being key crops.

Over the years, Utah County witnessed significant growth and development. Educational institutions, such as Brigham Young University (BYU), were established and played a crucial role in shaping the county's cultural landscape. In recent years, Utah County has experienced a surge in population, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Today, it combines its religious heritage with a thriving economy, offering a mix of urban and rural areas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community.

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

  • 1776: The first European explorers, Fathers Escalante and Dominguez, traveled through Utah County.
  • 1847: Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young settled in the Salt Lake Valley, including the area now known as Utah County.
  • 1849: Provo was settled and became the county seat of Utah County.
  • 1851: Utah County had its first courthouse and jail.
  • 1852: Provo was incorporated as a city.
  • 1869: The completion of the transcontinental railroad brought new economic opportunities to Utah County.
  • 1875: Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) was established in Provo.
  • 1894: The first electric streetcar system was introduced in Provo.
  • 1903: The Utah-Idaho Sugar Company built a sugar factory in Lehi.
  • 1920: The Provo City Library was opened.
  • 1940s: Geneva Steel, a major steel mill, began operations in Utah County.
  • 1969: Brigham Young University became a university, offering graduate degrees.
  • 1980s: The technology industry started to grow in Utah County with the establishment of companies like Novell and WordPerfect.
  • 2002: The Peaks Ice Arena in Provo hosted ice hockey events during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.