Historical Marker

First Post Office in Seattle

Historical marker location:
Seattle, Washington
( Marker is on 1st Avenue north of Marion Street, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1905

  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.

The Grand Coulee Dam, located on the Columbia River in central Washington, is the largest hydropower project in the United States and was once the largest concrete structure in the world.
Washington random facts
King County, Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest, is rich in history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Duwamish and other Native American tribes who relied on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood. In the late 18th century, European explorers, such as Captain George Vancouver, began to explore and map the area.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, attracted by the vast timber resources and potential for agriculture. As more settlers arrived, the population grew, and the community of Seattle was established in 1851. The County was named after Vice President William R. King, who served under President Franklin Pierce.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region experienced significant economic growth, largely due to the timber industry and the Klondike Gold Rush. Seattle became a major transportation hub, connecting the Pacific Northwest to the rest of the country through railroad and shipping routes. The city also saw the emergence of industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

In the mid-20th century, King County became a major center for technology and aerospace industries. Companies like Boeing and Microsoft found their roots in the region, leading to a population boom and economic prosperity. Today, King County is known for its vibrant city life in Seattle with its thriving arts and culture scene, renowned coffee culture, and a hub for technology and innovation. The county also offers an abundance of natural beauty with its mountains, lakes, and national parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of King County, Washington.

  • 1852 - King County is established as a county in the Washington Territory
  • 1853 - Seattle is founded as a town in King County
  • 1872 - The Great Seattle Fire destroys much of downtown Seattle
  • 1889 - The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 leads to the city's rapid rebuilding using brick and stone instead of wood
  • 1912 - The opening of the Lake Washington Ship Canal connects Lake Washington and Puget Sound
  • 1962 - Seattle hosts the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the Seattle World's Fair
  • 1970 - The Boeing Company becomes a major employer in King County
  • 1990 - King County surpasses the one million population mark
  • 2001 - The Nisqually earthquake causes damage in parts of King County
  • 2007 - The opening of the Link light rail system, the first in the county