REMEMBERING NON-REVISED HISTORY: JULY 26, 2013

Benjamin Franklin

A Founding Father of the United States
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
“The First American”

On ‘God’

Biography
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity; as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies, then as the first United States Ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. » Full Bio

» See All 'Quotable Quotes'

---

This Day In History 238 Years Ago
American Revolution
July 26, 1775

Congress Establishes U.S. Post Office

On this day in 1775, Congress establishes the United States Post Office and names Benjamin Franklin the first United States postmaster general.

[...]

While postmaster, Franklin streamlined postal delivery with properly surveyed and marked routes from Maine to Florida (the origins of Route 1), instituted overnight postal travel between the critical cities of New York and Philadelphia and created a standardized rate chart based upon weight and distance. Samuel Osgood held the postmaster general's position in New York City from 1789, when the U.S. Constitution came into effect, until the government moved to Philadelphia in 1791. Timothy Pickering took over and, about a year later, the Postal Service Act gave his post greater legislative legitimacy and the service more effective organization. Pickering continued in the position until 1795, when he briefly served as secretary of war, before becoming the third U.S. secretary of state. The postmaster general's position was considered a plum patronage post for political allies of the president until the Postal Service was transformed into a corporation run by a board of governors in 1971. » Full Article

Significant Events This Day In History

                     » History

» Ultimate History Quiz
“The Ultimate History Quiz features thousands of questions about American and global history trivia. Play now to challenge your friends, and see how you stack up to the competition.”