When did Ben Franklin became the first postmaster?
Franklin had just returned from England and was appointed member of the Second Continental Congress. He was elected to head a committee to establish a postal system within the 13 colonies. On July, 1775 he was appointed Postmaster General.
Did Benjamin Franklin start the post office?
On July 26, 1775, the U.S. postal system is established by the Second Continental Congress, with Benjamin Franklin as its first postmaster general. Franklin (1706-1790) put in place the foundation for many aspects of today’s mail system.
Who was the first post master?
Benjamin Franklin
List of Postmasters General
| Postmaster General | Date Appointed by the Continental Congress |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Franklin | July 26, 1775 |
| Richard Bache | November 7, 1776 |
| Ebenezer Hazard | January 28, 1782 |
Who appointed the first postmaster general?
Benjamin Franklin was appointed by the Continental Congress as the first postmaster general in 1775 serving just over 15 months. Franklin had previously served as deputy postmaster for the British colonies of North America since 1753.
What did Ben Franklin do as postmaster general?
As joint Postmaster General, Franklin surveyed post roads and Post Offices, introduced a simple accounting method for postmasters, and had riders carry mail by night as well as day, speeding service.
What did Ben Franklin start in Philadelphia?
In 1736, Franklin founded the first volunteer fire company in America. Franklin became the Postmaster for Philadelphia in 1737. Franklin helped found the Pennsylvania Academy and College in 1743. In 1744, Franklin began selling the Pennsylvania fireplace, which later became known as the “Franklin stove.”
What did Benjamin Franklin do as a postmaster?
When was the first post office created?
July 1, 1971, Washington, D.C., United States
United States Postal Service/Founded
Was Benjamin Franklin a postmaster?
Was Abe Lincoln a postmaster?
Lincoln was the only President who had served as a postmaster. On May 7, 1833, 24-year-old Abraham Lincoln was appointed postmaster of New Salem, Illinois. If an addressee did not collect his or her mail at the Post Office, as was the custom, Lincoln delivered it personally – usually carrying the mail in his hat.
Who appointed Benjamin Franklin postmaster general?
Britain Appoints Franklin as Postmaster of 13 Colonies Franklin, a meticulous record-keeper, was so skillful at running postal operations in Philadelphia that in 1753, the British Crown appointed him as joint postmaster for all 13 colonies.
Why was Ben Franklin important?
One of the leading figures of early American history, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a statesman, author, publisher, scientist, inventor and diplomat. During the American Revolution, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
