Featuring Research Volunteer Contributions

Land and Sea

Modern postal systems originated in the 13th century with private couriers hired to carry dispatches for governments, churches, universities, and other institutions. Since then postal systems have used a variety of transportation technologies—including horses, railroads, streetcars, bicycles, trucks, and ships—to move mail over land and sea.

5-cent Grant single on sorting & distribution wagon cover

Between Independence and 1792 the United States Gereral Post Office (1775-1829) changed little from...

2-cent Andrew Jackson grilled pair on transatlantic cover

With the global dispersion of people and commerce beginning in the 1600s, mail has regularly been...

10-cent rerated free frank cover

The privilege of sending mail without postage-that is...