George Washington and the Birth of the U.S. Postal Service – February 20, 1792

On February 20, 1792, President George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, officially establishing the United States Post Office. This landmark law laid the foundation for a national mail system, ensuring reliable communication across the growing country. Today, the U.S. Postal Service remains a vital part of American life, connecting millions of people every day.

The Importance of the Postal Service Act

Before the establishment of the Post Office, delivering mail in the U.S. was slow and unreliable. The Postal Service Act:

• Created a national mail system, improving communication between states.

• Established post roads to help transport mail faster.

• Protected the privacy of letters by making it illegal to open someone else's mail.

Presidents and the Post Office

Many U.S. presidents have had connections to the postal service:

• Benjamin Franklin (not a president, but a Founding Father) was the first Postmaster General in 1775.

• Abraham Lincoln worked as a postmaster in New Salem, Illinois, and even personally delivered mail.

• George Washington’s approval of the Postal Service Act ensured the mail system would support national growth and unity.

The Postal Service Today

Over 230 years later, the U.S. Postal Service remains an essential part of daily life. From handwritten letters to online shopping deliveries, Washington’s decision in 1792 helped shape the way Americans stay connected.

Next time you check your mailbox, remember—you’re taking part in a system that George Washington himself helped create!