The History of the USPS

From a tavern in Massachusetts to today's United States Postal Service

Even if USPS that we know today didn't officially start until July 1, 1971, the United States has always had some form of mail system. Mail service in the British Colonies started as early as 1639 when the General Court of Massachusetts designated a tavern as the official drop-off location for overseas mail.

From 1639 to the 1700s, the postal service expanded considerably from that simple colonial tavern, but it still wasn't close to what today's USPS has become. Post routes were created between major cities. In some areas, slaves were used to transport mail. In 1692 things became more organized when a grant was issued for a North American postal system. Eventually, the colonies would become the USA, and Benjamin Franklin would be named the first Postmaster General of the US postal system.

For the most part, mail was delivered by steam boat or the Pony Express during the early 1800s. As rail travel became feasible, the Pony Express was slowly replaced by what was known as the "iron horse," or trains. Although mail service by train was discontinued in the 1970s, it was started up again in the 1980s due to an increase in advertising and catalog mail. Today mail is transported by train, plane, and automobile.

The USPS ZIP code was introduced during World War II and has become extremely important to mail delivery. ZIP codes have become essential to mail delivery.

The USA government has always been involved in the USPS. Initially, congress was given the power "to establish post offices and post roads," but oversight was quickly turned over to the US President. In the 1960s, the post office was going through financial troubles and just about ground to a halt. Reforms were implemented and eventually the Postal Reorganization Act was passed and the USPS, or United States Postal Service, was created.

Did You Know?
Fun facts about the USPS

• The US Postal Service started in a tavern in Massachusetts
• Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General
• In 1828 there were 7,530 post offices and 29,956 postal employees
• In 1799 it cost 25 cents a sheet to send a letter 500 miles. The USPS rate has changed significantly since that time

Source: http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub100/pub100.htm

Visit the USPS Home Page for more information on the United States Postal Service.