Postal History
Explore the past, glimpse the future.
In the more than two centuries since Benjamin Franklin was appointed our first Postmaster General in 1775, the Postal Service™ has grown and changed with America, boldly embracing new technologies to better serve a growing population. We hope you enjoy exploring our rich history.

Significant Dates
Photo Galleries
Postal People
Stamps and Postcards
Moving the Mail
Delivering the Mail and More
Postage Rates and Historical Statistics
Uniforms and Equipment
Post Offices and Facilities
Awards
Research Sources


 
Want More Postal History?
See our 84-page illustrated booklet The United States Postal Service: An American History, 1775-2006. (PDF) (HTML)

  The Moroney Awards for Scholarship on Postal History
Cash prizes for scholarship on postal history.

  Related Services & Links
Postmaster Finder
National Postal Museum
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Contact the Postal Service Historian