Technology
Mail Collection and Delivery Before the United States Postal Service
Mail Collection and Delivery Before the United States Postal Service
The history of mail delivery in the United States is fascinating, filled with stories of early colonial times, taverns, and then the establishment of what would become the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Early Mail Collection and Delivery
Before the United States Postal Service (USPS) was established in the early 1970s, mail collection and delivery relied on various methods. The first Post Office in the United States was not a government office but a Boston tavern. Patrons would bring mail and letters from rural areas to the tavern when they visited, and then they would take home whatever mail they found back to their communities. This method was both informal and integral to local communication networks.
The Role of Taverns and Inns in Early Mail Delivery
During the late 1600s, many taverns, roadhouses, and inns played a crucial role in mail collection and disassembly. These establishments were not only gathering points for travelers but also key hubs for mail distribution. Additionally, governors of each state served as General Postmasters, collecting fees or taxes on mail service.
The Formation of the First Post Office
In 1783, Benjamin Franklin became the first postmaster general of Philadelphia and established the first post office for the area. At this time, it was decreed that mail was to be lawfully delivered unopened or not damaged. Mail delivery methods varied widely, from messengers and riders delivering directly or to common places in rural communities to more complex methods involving river boats, mule trains, wagon trains, coaches, and later steam trains.
Beyond the Basics: Mail Transport Methods
Transporting mail across the country was challenging and time-consuming. Mail from overseas, often addressed to specific individuals or settlements, was brought by ships. For example, ships traveling from New York had to sail around the tip of South America to reach San Francisco, a journey that involved picking up and leaving mail at various ports along the way.
Revolutionizing Mail Delivery
The introduction of the Pony Express in the mid-1800s dramatically altered mail delivery times. This service, operated by Wells Fargo, reduced delivery times from months to just 1-4 weeks. With the onset of the railroad, mail delivery became faster still. Mail clerks or agents placed bags of mail in locked mail cars, which were dropped at each depot as the trains traveled. This method allowed mail to be delivered to towns, trading posts, military forts, outposts, or postal stations.
People in the early days faced unique challenges when it came to mail delivery. For instance, one could mail farm animal corpses and even children across the country. The practice of sending children by train for the cost of a postage stamp ceased in the early 1900s, just before World War I. The last child, an 8-year-old girl, rode in the mail car to New York, staying with the postal agent the entire time, and was eventually delivered to her destination address by an off-duty postal worker.
Post Offices and Local Mail Systems
Since the late 1800s, post offices have been established in larger cities. Postal workers were responsible for routing, canceling the mail, and bagging up what needed to be sent by courier, boat, or train. The cost of a letter with the introduction of postage stamps was often offset by tipping or paying the courier. Additionally, couriers were often fed and housed overnight.
Supporting Local Communities and Economies
Many towns began along these routes, strategically positioned to support riders, boats, coaches, or trains. These locations became critical hubs for mail delivery, enabling communication and economic networks across the country.
In conclusion, the early days of mail delivery in the United States were far from organized. Taverns, colonial governors, and various transportation methods like ships, wagons, and railroads all played significant roles in this evolving system. The establishment of the USPS in the early 1970s brought significant changes, but the rich history of mail delivery remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early American communities.
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