In the nearly 250 years 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 invite you to use these links to explore our rich history.

Significant dates

A chronology of postal milestones

Stamps and postcards

A history of stamps and postal stationery

Postage rates and historical statistics

Postage rates and postal history by the numbers

Personnel

Diversity in the workforce and prominent postal workers

Moving the mail

Mail transportation, from mules to missile mail

Delivering the mail and more

Fun facts, past programs, and unusual deliveries

Post offices and facilities

The history of postal places

Uniforms and equipment

The evolution of uniforms, mailboxes and postal gear

Additional resources

Sources for more information