Check Out Everything You Need to Know About the History of the USPS

Learn all about the history of the United States Postal Service!

The history of the United States Postal Service (USPS) spans back to the American colonies. From international deliveries to a budding system of intra-country postal roads, the USPS has played an integral role in the history of the United States. Check out these highlights of the history of the USPS. Colonial America. Before the US became a country, North America had been colonized by several European nations. It wasn't until 1639 that the first center for mail distribution was established in North America. It was deemed that Richard Fairbanks's tavern in Boston became the first official mail repository for overseas deliveries. Other colonies established similar offices. In 1692, the British government gave a grant to the colonies which led to the establishment of a central post office. Andrew Hamilton was appointed as postmaster general. The British bought the central post office, and it wasn't until 1775 when the Continental Post for internal mail deliveries throughout the colonies. The American Revolution. After the American Revolution had ended, the Second Continental Congress met to determine how letters and information were to be delivered. Benjamin Franklin was appointed to the role of Postmaster General. The role of secure mail delivery was an essential component of communication during the Revolutionary War. 19^th Century Mail Delivery. The post office grew dramatically during the 19^th century. Innovation for transportation was brought to the US, which was in part subsidized by the US postal service, which was a part of the presidential cabinet at the time. Steamboats, trains, and the pony express were all used to deliver mail. An additional 59,473 miles of post roads were added to the already existing 84,860 miles of roads. By 1819, the postal service served 22 states. Additionally, the 19^th century brought the first postage stamp. The first US postage stamp made it's debut on July 1, 1847. 20^th Century Mail Delivery. The 20^th century has brought its own developments to the postal service. New technology has enabled air mail to get mail to its destination faster. Additionally, parcel mail was enabled in 1912. No longer were US postal workers limited to carrying packages under four pounds. The zip code system was also developed in the 20^th century during the Second World War. Entrust your mail deliveries to the professionals at  MDS, Inc.  Located in Southern California, we're your mail delivery & custom courier service experts for all your  mail and delivery  needs in  Los Angeles and Orange County.  Contact  us for more information.