Benjamin Franklin was tasked with creating the United States Postal Service during the American Revolution, with mail delivery remaining a top priority. The Post Office Department became a cabinet-level department in 1872 and the USPS became an independent agency in 1971.
Communication was crucial in the American colonies’ struggle for independence from British rule. After the battles at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in 1775 – a year before the official birth of the United States – and it was decided that the ability to correspond quickly was a key to victory. Benjamin Franklin was designated as the head of a committee charged with creating what later became the United States Postal Service. In the process, Franklin was given a new title – Postmaster General. Franklin held the position until November 7, 1776. He was in office when the Declaration of Independence created the United States in July of that year, making him the first general postmaster officer of the United States.
Neither snow nor rain nor darkness of night:
Postmasters and post knights were exempt from military service. Even during the American Revolution, mail delivery was a top priority.
The Post Office Department was created in 1792 and became a cabinet-level department in 1872.
In 1971, the United States Postal Service became an independent agency under the Postal Reorganization Act.
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