United States Postal Service celebrates 250th anniversary, unveils new stamps

The first United States postage stamps were issued on July 1, 1847. The prepaid stamp revolutionized the postal service, as previously the recipient was obligated to pay for any mail received. The postage stamps expedited the delivery process, ensured revenue, and made record-keeping more effective. As the nation’s first president and first postmaster general, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were fitting choices. The Franklin stamp paid the rate for one-half ounce sent up to 300 miles. T