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


 
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
Look up postmasters and Post Offices, past and present.
Contact the Postal Service Historian
Contact the Postal Service Library
Community Connection
Help students explore America with stamp-themed lesson tips and education kits.
National Postal Museum
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader