The Early History of the Colonial Post-Office

"The Early History of the Colonial Post-Office" by Mary Emma Woolley is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the development of postal services in the American colonies, detailing the evolution of communication methods and the establishment of an organized postal system. Woolley examines how the lack of a formal postal service impacted communication among settlers and the measures taken to address this issue. In this comprehensive examination, Woolley traces the origins of postal services starting from individual bearers and informal arrangements in the early colonial period to the establishment of official post offices. She highlights critical developments, such as the establishment of Richard Fairbanks's house in Boston as the first designated postal point and the legislative measures taken by various colonial governments to encourage a functioning postal system. Further, the text discusses the establishment of the first intercolonial postal system under Thomas Neale's leadership, marking a significant step towards improved communication that would help unify the colonies. By weaving together historical documents and accounts from the period, Woolley effectively illustrates how the postal service became a foundational element of colonial infrastructure.