How Benjamin Franklin changed the Postal Service

Benjamin Franklin’s importance in American history is undisputed, but his lesser-known work as postmaster general may have laid the foundations for his later accomplishments.

In fact, it is very likely that his broader renown could be thanks to his time with the Postal Service.

In 1737, Franklin became the postmaster of Philadelphia, appointed by Deputy Postmaster General of America Alexander Spotswood. Control of the Postal Service remained under the British crown, since this was still almost four decades prior to U.S. independence.