During the 1800s, people sent mail through the postal system, which underwent significant developments and improvements over the course of the century. Here's a general overview of how mail was sent in the 1800s:
1. Letter Writing:
- People wrote letters on paper using ink and quills or pens.
2. Postage Rates:
- Postage rates were calculated based on distance and weight.
- Pre-paid postage was introduced through adhesive postage stamps or stamped envelopes to simplify the process.
3. Post Offices:
- Post offices were established in towns and cities.
- People brought their letters to post offices to be weighed and stamped.
4. Postmarks:
- Postmarks, which included the date and location of the post office, were applied to letters to show that postage had been paid.
5. Mail Delivery:
- Mail was initially delivered by horse-drawn stagecoaches and mail carriers on foot.
- As transportation infrastructure improved, mail delivery became faster and more efficient.
6. Pony Express:
- The Pony Express (1860-1861) was a renowned fast mail service that operated in the western United States, reducing the mail delivery time between the East and West Coasts.
7. Railway Mail Service:
- The development of railroads led to the establishment of Railway Mail Service (RMS).
- Specialized railway cars were used to sort and process mail while trains were in motion.
8. Rural Free Delivery:
- Rural Free Delivery (RFD) was introduced in the late 1890s, enabling mail delivery to remote rural areas using horse-drawn wagons and later motorized vehicles.
9. International Mail:
- International mail exchange expanded during the 1800s, facilitated by steamships and improved mail transport methods.
10. Pre-Paid Envelopes:
- Pre-paid envelopes with printed stamps simplified the mailing process and reduced reliance on handwritten addresses.
The postal system's evolution throughout the 1800s made communication and information exchange faster, more reliable, and more accessible for people both within countries and across continents.