Historical Marker

Colonial Post Office

Historical marker location:
10121 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, Virginia
( Marker is on Tidewater Trail (Virginia Route 2) 0.6 miles east of Jim Morris Road (County Route 609), on the left when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 1928

  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.
The first successful English attempt to establish a colony in North America was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Spotsylvania County, Virginia has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early colonial period. The county was established in 1721, and it was named after Alexander Spotswood, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia at the time. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pamunkey and the Mattaponi.

During the American Revolutionary War, Spotsylvania County saw some significant events. In 1781, the county was the site of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a pivotal battle in the Southern Campaign. This battle saw the American forces, led by General Nathanael Greene, clash with the British forces under General Cornwallis. Although the Americans ultimately withdrew, the battle weakened the British position and set the stage for their surrender at Yorktown later that year.

In the 19th century, Spotsylvania County played a role in the American Civil War. It was the site of several major battles, including the famous Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. This battle, fought between Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army under General Joseph Hooker, resulted in a Confederate victory but at the cost of the life of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, who was mortally wounded during the battle. Today, visitors can explore the Chancellorsville Battlefield and learn about the events that took place on this hallowed ground.

In the modern era, Spotsylvania County has experienced significant population growth and development. It is located in close proximity to the bustling city of Fredericksburg and has become a popular residential area for those commuting to larger urban centers. Despite this growth, the county has worked to preserve its historical landmarks and cultural heritage, and several museums and historic sites offer visitors a glimpse into Spotsylvania's past.

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

  • 1721 - Spotsylvania County established as part of the British colony of Virginia
  • 1864 - The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House takes place during the American Civil War
  • 1872 - The county's courthouse is destroyed by fire and later rebuilt
  • 1901 - The Confederate Cemetery is established in Spotsylvania County
  • 1972 - Lake Anna, a reservoir located partially in the county, is created