Historical Marker

Haymarket Post Office

Historical marker location:
15000 Washington Street, Haymarket, Virginia
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of Washington Street (Virginia Route 55) and Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west.)
Marker installed: 2013

Circa - 1885

  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 Virginia.
Jamestown, Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was founded in 1607 and served as the capital of Virginia until 1699.
Virginia random facts
Prince William County, located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, who would later become King William IV of Britain.

During the American Revolution, Prince William County played a significant role. It was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Bull Run in 1861, which marked the first major land battle of the Civil War. The county was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the war, leading to considerable devastation and loss.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Prince William County saw significant agricultural growth, with tobacco, wheat, and corn being the primary crops. The expanding railway system in the region allowed for increased trade and transportation. However, the Great Depression caused a decline in the agricultural industry, leading many residents to seek employment elsewhere.

In recent decades, Prince William County has experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The construction of the Interstate 95 highway and the expansion of nearby Washington D.C. have contributed to its development. The county is now home to a diverse population, and its economy is driven by a mix of industries, including technology, defense, and government. The county also boasts numerous parks, historical sites, and cultural attractions, making it an appealing place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Prince William County, Virginia.

  • 1731 - Prince William County is created from Stafford County.
  • 1752 - Dumfries becomes the county seat.
  • 1774 - Brentsville replaces Dumfries as the county seat.
  • 1790 - Manassas is established as a town.
  • 1861 - Manassas becomes the site of the First Battle of Bull Run during the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The county seat is moved again, this time to Brentsville.
  • 1894 - Manassas becomes an independent city, separate from Prince William County.
  • 1932 - The county seat is finally moved back to Manassas.
  • 1951 - Prince William County experiences significant population growth due to the construction of Quantico Marine Corps Base.
  • 1985 - The county becomes a part of the Washington metropolitan area.
  • 2000 - Prince William County becomes the second most populous county in Virginia, following Fairfax County.