Dead Letter Office Mysteries
Today we send an e-mail, and if the address is invalid, the message bounces back. It’s annoying, but at least we know the information was not received. The Post Office …
Stories of the U.S. Mail
In addition to delivering letters carrying family news and election results, the U.S. Postal Service has been the agent for progress with everything from our road systems to commercial air travel.
A Dog Who Delivered the Mail
In the 1880s in San Bernardino county–just northeast of Los Angeles–the town of Calico, California, had an unusual mail carrier—a dog. Jim Stacy worked as postmaster in Calico and his …
U.S. Mail Delivery via “Auto[matic]” Horse
One hundred years ago in Redlands, California, there were no mail trucks or mail cars…just a mail horse.
Little-Known Facts about the Pony Express and the Mail
Though the Pony Express began in 1860 and only existed for eleven months, almost every American has heard about this early way of delivering the mail. However, here are some facts you probably don’t know:
- The official name of the Pony Express was The Central Overland, California and Pikes Peak Express Company.
- Young boys were generally hired because of the company rule that no rider should weigh more than 125 pounds.
Owney, The Post Office Dog
A scruffy fox terrier made his way into the back door of the Albany Post Office during the winter of 1886. He was cold, tired, and hungry. When the postal …
Recognizing Progress: The 1938 Celebration of Airmail Week
Today, e-mail travels in a matter of moments, text messages arrive in real time, and almost all items sent through the U.S. Mail spend at least part of their time on an airplane.
