Celebrating USPS - George Washington History

Post Office Act Signed Into Law 216 Years Ago

Sometimes we get so caught up in the present that we forget our past, who we are and how we got here. It was 216 years ago on February 20th 1792 that George Washington signed the Post Office Act into law. Every element of this act was innovative and made a significant contribution to the continued existence and success of the United States. The Post Office Act of 1792 contained 3 specific elements that had enormous influence on the quality of government, citizenship and the growth of the nation.

The first element was the acceptance of newspapers into the mail at very low rates to facilitate the flow of information to citizens on matters of government, politics and the latest local and national news. Many historians credit this component of the act as the foundation of the communication revolution.

The second element forbade postal officials from opening letters in their charge. This component would ensure sanctity and privacy of the mails thereby reducing corruption and misuse of personal information.

The third element gave Congress the authority and responsibility for the creation of post roads and post offices. This component of the act was designed to facilitate the growth and expansion of the nation westward. The success of this strategy is evident in the rapid growth that occurred. Within the 8 years following the 1792 Post Office Act, the 6000 miles of post roads were extended to 21,000 miles and the number of post offices and stations increased from 195 to 903.

Today the US Postal Service remains the most efficient, affordable and convenient delivery service in the world with 37,000 stations and branches. Deliveries now reach 300 million people at 146 million addresses each day. Today’s customers use the convenient online services available at usps.com to view products and services, print postage and schedule pick ups.

On February 18, 2008, The City of Alexandria will celebrate George Washington’s birthday. The USPS Northern Virginia District recognizes this celebration as an opportunity to reflect on our past and remember those who contributed so much to the Postal Service and the nation. Our past is forged with the innovative thinking of great men coupled with technological advances over time. This history is our roadmap which identifies who we are and how we got here. The Postal Service will be a proud participant in the festivities. Parade Grand Marshal Ferdinand Day will be appointed Honorary Postmaster of Alexandria and an antique mail truck will show in the parade.

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.