12. Using a borrowed $100 as their initial capital, they set up shop in a cellar beneath Ryan’s uncle’s tavern. The Postal Service reported a loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. Subscribe. It creates an app-like icon that will take you directly to the site. 14. Postal Service is rooted in the start of the country. The Founding Fathers were all for a postal system, especially Franklin. We hope you enjoy exploring our rich history. The USPS has a long and proud history, earning a solid reputation and respect for its standards and professionalism, and it shouldn’t be any other way. The financial woes of the U.S. Learn more. It triggered a necessary look at postal reform. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The USPS is one of the oldest fixtures of our American history. In accepting the position, Franklin dedicated his efforts to fulfilling George Washington's vision. Ten Most Common Post Office Names in 2020: Clinton, 26 Madison, 25 Franklin, 24 Washington, 24 Marion, 23 Chester, 22 Greenville, 22 Springfield, 22 Georgetown, 21 His next position after Postmaster General? The very first post office in colonial America was established in … The Postal Service has 100 hybrid 2-ton vehicles. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 23 other things your postal carrier isn’t telling you, 12 unusual things postal carriers see every day, 10 of the craziest things people have ever shipped, 11 shocking things your mail carrier knows about you, surprising secrets your mail carrier knows about you, how the U.S. government really spends your tax dollars, 7 Signs You’re Wearing the Wrong Bra Size—And How to Find One That Fits, 40 Reading Quotes That Will Make You Crave a Good Book, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. The Postal Service operates a fleet of 40,000 alternative fuel-capable vehicles, most of which are equipped to use ethanol. Astonishingly, this practice continued all the way until 1969 when it was abolished by President Richard Nixon. ... Information from USPS' The United States Postal Service: An American History. Congress soon reconsidered, and in 1799, stealing mail for first-time offenders was punishable by a public whipping and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. These cards featured a male or female caricature of popular stereotypes like a miser or a spinster, and the drawing was accompanied by mean-spirited verse. © 2016-2021 United States Postal Service. The very first post office in colonial America was established in 1639 in the Boston home—which was also a tavern that sold “stronge water”—of a man named Richard Fairbanks. The facts in this publication may be reproduced for the purpose of stating the fact itself, and in a business, informational, academic context and the like, and in the body of text discussing factual subject matter relevant to the fact being presented. Postal History is More Interesting Than You Thought. Visit about.usps.com for more information. That said, there are a shocking number of truly interesting facts about the postal service that will make you view it in a totally different way. Postal Facts 2020 provides the public with information about the Postal Service. 4. 6. Advertisement - story continues below Fact 9: In spite of this, the USPS lost $2.7 billion in fiscal year 2017. The history of postal service of the United States began with the delivery of stampless letters, whose cost was borne by the receiving person, later also encompassed pre-paid letters carried by private mail carriers and provisional post offices, and culminated in a system of universal prepayment that required all letters to bear nationally issued adhesive postage stamps. The Post Office Department was founded in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. The Pony Express was in operation only from April 3, 1860, to Oct. 26, 1861. Article IX said that the government “shall … For a refresher course, journey through its 245-year history told through old photos and philatelic facts. Postal Facts 2020 provides the public with information about the Postal Service. This stately fixture in the country is currently facing serious debt issues and is even in danger of being completely disbanded, not to mention the current debacle over how the reductions in USPS machinery will affect mail-in voting for this November’s election. While the Pony Express did deliver mail, it was never part of the U.S. postal service. In fiscal year 2019, the Postal Service recognized 232 heroic employees. Until the mid-19th century, recipients—not senders—usually had to pay for postage on the letters they received. Postal system; Inspire your inbox – Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers. For 141 years, getting a job at the U.S. postal system depended on one thing: connections. With Package Pickup, you can go online to request Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail packages be picked up at your home or offices as part of your mail carrier’s regular route — for free. The result: By the start of the 19th century, newspapers made up the bulk of the U.S. mail. The U.S. Our communications network supports and maintains more than 147,000 desktop computers, 31,000 notebook computers, 86,000 printers, 23,000 smartphones, 250,000 phone lines and 310,000 handheld scanners. From 1914 to 1920, the Farm-to-Table program was a novel initiative that allowed farmers to arrange prices with people in urban areas and then mail them their choice of ham, bacon, fresh meats, poultry, eggs, butter, cheese, nuts, maple syrup, honey, jellies, preserves, fruits, and vegetables. The most unusual delivery method used by USPS is a mule train in Arizona. Here are some surprising secrets your mail carrier knows about you. Share This Article BuzzFeed … Postal Facts 2020 provides the public with information about the Postal Service. Learn more. Often taken for granted, this impressive system of mailing by the U.S. This meant workers waited and waited or circled back over and over again until their target, er, customer, came home. 3. In 2019, usps.com recorded 2.6 billion visits -- averaging 7.1 million visitors each day. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a 45-foot mail boat, the J.W. 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. American newspapers largely owe their existence to the post office. We’re proud to provide secure, reliable and affordable delivery of mail and packages to every address in the United States, its territories and its military installations worldwide. True, the Postmaster General was last in line, but that still put him or her a heartbeat, or dozen, away. As a result, she—the current officeholder is Megan Brennan, the first woman in history to hold the job—out-earns the U.S. vice president, who makes $243,500. 5. Before 1971, the PMG was a Cabinet member. The mules carry mail, food and supplies down an 8-mile trail to the Havasupai Indians at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It’s changed quite a bit over the years—did you know the USPS didn’t officially deliver mail to homes until the Civil War? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. A uniquely American history. Learn more. You can find these answers and more at facts.usps.com. The U.S postal system was officially established on July 26, 1775 and has been an integral part of American society ever since. Your mobile device to view Postal Facts 2020 provides the public with information about the Postal Service, 1775 has... 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