Free city delivery of mail begins as 449 carriers set out to work in 49 cities.

Butterfield's Overland stagecoach express service is moved from its original Southern Route to the Central Route popularized by the Pony Express.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing begins producing all United States stamps.

The Post Office Department grants a mail contract to Samuel Woodson to carry mail by pack mules between Independence, Missouri and Salt Lake City.

The first federal US postage stamps go on sale.

Inaugural airmail service begins between Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The service is operated by Pan American Airways, Inc.

Richard M. Nixon, 37th President of the US, is born in Yorba Linda, California. He was commemorated on a stamp in 1995.

Henry C. Payne is appointed Postmaster General under Theodore Roosevelt.

Steamboat “Blue Ridge" is destroyed when its boiler blows up. Fifteen people were lost in the explosion and fire. Steamers carried mail on American waterways through much of the 19th century.

Soldiers in the Continental Army are allowed to send letters at no cost, provided the letters are signed by an officer.