Postal Insiders Say Rural Delivery Has Storied Past, Checkered Future In W.Va.

Today, a 78-cent postage stamp can send a letter to any address nationwide. But in the early days of the United States Postal Service (USPS), ensuring equal access to mail — even among residents in hard-to-reach places — was more complicated.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the postal service. Historians, postal workers and union leaders gathered in Shepherdstown on July 24 and 25 for a pair of panel discussions reflecting on the past and future of USPS, organized by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA).

For the panelists, gathering in Jefferson County was of particular importance: Centuries ago, it spawned a service called rural delivery that is still around today. While rural delivery has a storied past in West Virginia, some worry it may soon face risks.

Postal Insiders Say Rural Delivery Has Storied Past, Checkered Future In W.Va. - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

More than a century ago, USPS established a rural free delivery service in West Virginia that still exists today. But historians and industry insiders worry there may be risks in its future.