February 20th: The Postal Service Act Is Signed by United States President George Washington

February 20, 2023

The Postal Service Act was signed into law by President George Washington on February 20, 1792, establishing the United States Post Office Department. This act laid the foundation for a national postal system, which was necessary for communication and commerce in the expanding country.

The new federal system created by the Postal Service Act standardized mail service across the country, ensuring that all citizens had access to reliable and affordable mail delivery.

Over the years, the Postal Service has played a crucial role in the development of the United States. It facilitated communication and commerce, linking people and businesses across the country and around the world. The system expanded rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the addition of new technologies such as railway mail service, airmail, and electronic sorting and tracking.

In recent years, the service has also faced numerous challenges, including technological advancements, changing demographics, and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, the postal service continues to be a vital institution in the United States, providing affordable and reliable mail delivery to millions of Americans.

Today, the United States Postal Service continues to provide essential services to Americans, delivering over 143 billion pieces of mail each year.

References:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/postal-service-act-regulates-united-states-post-office-department#:~:text=On%20February%2020%2C%201792%2C%20President,postal%20service%20to%20new%20areas

https://about.usps.com/news/delivers-facts/usps-delivers-the-facts.pdf

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