Savannah marks 251 years of postal service with ceremony, new stamp collection

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Members of the city and the U.S. Postal Service gathered Thursday to honor the longevity of the Savannah Main Post Office, one of only 62 original post offices remaining in the country.

A post office since the founding

The Savannah Main Post Office has been in operation since the nation’s earliest days. Tiffany Rowand, a strategic communications specialist, said the building’s history stretches back to the country’s founding era.

“Savannah is one of the 62 post offices that were originally in America, like the major form of communication for the U.S.,” Rowand said.

Rowand added that the office’s roots run deep. “Benjamin Franklin actually was around when this post office was appointed its first postmaster in 1775,” she said.

The U.S. Postal Service also announced a milestone tied to the America 250 celebration. Shalitha Branson, manager of post office operations, said the occasion marks an unprecedented moment in stamp history.

“For the first time ever, an individual has been invited to create an entire stamp issuance,” Branson said.

That individual is designer Ralph Lauren.

Community and city leaders weigh in

Community members who stopped by the ceremony said the physical post office remains relevant in an increasingly digital world.

“The day and age we’re living in, everything seems to be non-personal, and so I like being able to actually talk with someone, you know, and having a face to speak with,” said Joe Meeks, a Savannah community member.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson echoed that sentiment. “No matter how sophisticated we think we get with email and digital mail and AI, there’s still nothing like receiving a piece of mail,” Johnson said.

Mayor Johnson continued the celebration by dedicating Thursday as “America 250 and 250 Years of Postal Service Day” in the city of Savannah.