Historical Marker

Historical Marker near Post Office

Historical marker location:
32 N Davis St, Keyser, West Virginia
( Marker is on West Piedmont Street (Route 46) just west of School Street, on the left when traveling west.)

Keyser Historical Walking Trail

  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 West Virginia Mine Wars, a series of labor disputes and violent conflicts between coal miners and mining companies, took place in the early 1900s. The conflicts, which included the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, had a significant impact on the labor movement in the United States.
West Virginia random facts
Mineral County, West Virginia has a rich and varied history that begins with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-18th century. Originally part of Hampshire County, Mineral County was officially established in 1866. The county was named after the vast mineral resources found in the region, including limestone, coal, and iron ore.

The early history of Mineral County is closely tied to the development of the railroad industry. The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1840s played a significant role in the county's growth, attracting new industries and settlers. The railroad brought economic opportunities and prosperity to the region, leading to the establishment of towns and the growth of mining operations.

Mining quickly became a dominant industry in Mineral County, with companies extracting coal, limestone, and other valuable minerals. The coal mines, in particular, played a vital role in the county's economy for many decades. The mining boom brought an influx of workers to the area, leading to the growth of towns and the establishment of supporting industries.

Throughout its history, Mineral County has also been strongly influenced by its proximity to key historical events. During the American Civil War, the county witnessed battles and military actions, including the famous Battle of Blakely Mountain. In later years, the county felt the impact of industrialization and economic changes, which led to the decline of mining and the rise of new industries.

Today, Mineral County continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county's historical significance and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists. From its humble beginnings as a rural frontier, Mineral County, WV has transformed into a vibrant community with a rich heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mineral County, West Virginia.

  • 1734: European settlers begin arriving in present-day Mineral County
  • 1756: Fort Cumberland is built by the British during the French and Indian War
  • 1866: The area is officially established as Mineral County
  • 1873: Keyser, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1894: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches Mineral County, spurring growth
  • 1902: West Virginia University establishes an agricultural experiment station in the county
  • 1917: New Creek Dam is built on the Potomac River for water supply and flood control
  • 1921: Knobly Mountain Tunnel is completed for the Western Maryland Railway
  • 1956: Jennings Randolph Lake is constructed for flood control and recreation
  • 1985: Mineral County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history
  • 1992: Work begins on the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, serving several counties